All Family Friendly Farm Stays

Sunnyside Farm has a lovely and very spacious cottage to rent for up to 12 people at the edge of the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, one of the highlight of any journey through rural Wales. The farm is an award winning sheep and cattle farm which you are welcome to walk around, and to watch, or take part in, different seasonal activities such as bottle feeding spring lambs for example or wool rolling during shearing time. You’ll find plenty of nice field & woodland walks, and mountain bike trails, around the immediate area too, and of course for more serious hiking there is the magnificent scenery of the Brecon Beacons just a few miles away. THE ACCOMMODATION: The cottage is large, it has seven bedrooms in total and can sleep up to twelve quite comfortably, but it still retains a nice cosy countryside cottage feel. There is a large living room with an adjoining, spacious, dining room and also a kitchen well enough equipped to cater for any occasion and which includes a washing machine and a dishwasher. The lounge area has digital TV and DVD player and there is WiFi throughout the house. Outside there is also plenty of space to enjoy with a patio and outdoor seating. As mentioned previously, you are free to wander all around the farm and to join some of the farm activities and you can take off on hikes or mountain bike rides in the surrounding area where you’ll find plenty of scenic trails to be explored. The friendly farm owners stay nearby and will always be at hand with help or advice and they can arrange things such a local bike hire READ MORE

Beside the popular ski resort town of Formiguères, Languedoc-Roussillon, southern France, the highly rated Le Calmadou farmstay has self catering accommodation on its working sheep farm where it produces its own range of cheeses. The surrounding countryside is peaceful and serene and the views from the farm are spectacular. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their very comfortable 95 square meter self catering apartment is part of a converted barn with traditional wooden beamed ceilings and can host up to 8 people. There are three bedrooms (two doubles and a twin), a lounge area with sofa bed and flat screen TV, a modern, fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms and a 15 square meter outside terrace area. THE FARM: The farm is a fully working sheep farm producing and selling a good range of home made cheeses, yoghurts and spicy merguez sausages. Being at an altitude of 1500 meters the winters here are cold and so the sheep move indoors to the barns but the hospitable farm owners are always happy to offer tours of the farm and the cheese factory whatever time of year you arrive. THE LOCATION: Formiguères is a popular ski town and the farmstay is just 4km from the nearest slopes, so the location is ideal for winter sports. When the season ends it is also a great area for hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. The wider area is part of the Parc Regional de Catalan Pyrenees which is a wonderful area to explore, full of wild scenery, mountains, lakes, including the famous glacial lake at Engolasters, and thick green forests. The borders with both Spain and Andorra are less than 20km away and so the region is also a popular READ MORE

In the village of Fügen, at the heart of the Zillertal valley, Austria, and around a half an hour from Innsbruck, Obermooshof is a fun, family friendly, Tyrol farm stay on a scenic working farm. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a mixture of self catering and B&B accommodation, all of which are clean and comfortable and come with balconies that have lovely views of the surrounding mountains. There is satellite TV in all the units, and private bathroom, and outside there is a nice garden where you’ll find a children’s playground, barbecue facilities and plenty of place to relax and meet the other guests. They serve a generous home made breakfast every morning too with some of the produce coming straight from the farm. The owners are always happy to have guests explore their working farm which has a number of cattle, pigs, hens as well as some pet rabbits and cats. If you wish you can always join in some of the daily tasks, like feeding the animals etc., and lend a hand at indoor activities like making traditional Austrian home made bread and jams. Note: No internet available! THE LOCATION: There are a couple of shops and restaurants in the village, just a short walk from the farmhouse, and the village and its surrounds are a lovely place to wander around and take in the gorgeous scenery. The area, and Tyrol generally, is of course very popular for winter sports and there is a free bus stop to the ski slopes just 300 metres away from the farm stay. It’s also a popular place to visit in summer too, with its spectacular scenery and clean, fresh air. You’ll find a READ MORE

Agriturismo Le Fontane has an absolutely stunning setting on the shores of Lake Iseo, near Brescia in Lombardy, northern Italy. It is very much a boutique hotel with just four rooms to choose from, and you can enjoy gorgeous views from the terrace outside your door, from the gardens or from the infinity swimming pool just in front. It is very much a place for lounging and relaxing but there are plenty of activities to enjoy too; the beach is just three minutes walk away and you can also enjoy guided tours of the farm, fruit and vegetable picking, nature walks and hikes along the Antica Strada Valeriana, and of course boat tours around the lake and to the stunning Monte Isola Island. You can also enjoy the excellence of the in-house chef who uses the best locally sourced ingredients to great effect, from breakfast to lavish evening meals and washed down with some of Brescia’s and Lombardy’s finest Franciacorta wine. THE ACCOMMODATION: The agriturismo accomodation, just four B&B rooms in total, is lake side and just away from the main farmhouse where the restaurant is located. The rooms are set around the swimming pool with the gardens just to the side, and they all have fabulous, almost uninterrupted, views over the lake and the island. The block is modern, and internally has more in common with a modern city hotel than a stereotypical rustic agriturismo. Facilities are also what you would expect from a modern hotel, WiFi, flat screen satellite TV and some nice spacious private bathrooms. All the rooms are bright, clean and super comfortable, and all are supplied with nonallergenic soft furnishing and bedding materials. They also READ MORE

In Tombstone, Arizona, just three minutes drive from the famous Ok Corral, this charming ranch stay is a great base for horseback riding and hiking the surrounding desert terrain. Their spacious, comfortable rooms are in the style of the old West but with all modern comforts such as WiFi and flat screen TV with satellite channels. And guests at Monument Guest Ranch Tombstone can enjoy some great Western food at Schieffelin’s Restaurant. Their friendly staff can help you out with tours, they’ve got a business meeting hall you can use and an outdoor pool and sun terrace. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We had a great experience at this property and intend to come back with friends in a few weeks! The activities at the property are terrific. My husband and I went on a horse ride which was our first time. The wrangler was great choosing the right horses for us, making us feel safe and comfortable during the hour long ride. The end result was we had a wonderful time!…” “Gorgeous establishment with history, breakfast was phenomenal, staff was entertaining made our stay even more welcoming and clean rooms with a bonus of having comfortable beds. High ratings all the way!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT TOMBSTONE MONUMENT GUEST RANCH: READ MORE

Daysy Hill has a selection of very nice, rustic style, self catering cottages and suites on its working farm near Port Campbell, VIC, next to the incredible scenery of the Great Ocean Road. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation ranges from one bed suites (with spa bath) to spacious cottages which can sleep up to seven. Check them all out in detail on the booking page here. You’ll find all of them clean, comfortable, well equipped and nicely furnished. Most have some outside space and some also have lovely views over the surrounding farmland. Facilities include WiFi, TV, cosy gas log fires, well equipped kitchens and barbecues, plus outside there is a large covered barbecue/kitchen area which guests are also free to use. THE LOCATION: The farm is less than two minutes drive from the little town of Port Campbell and the Port Campbell National Park where you’ll find the famous Twelve Apostles section of the Great Ocean Road. The journey from Melbourne should take less than two and a half hours. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We loved it here! I feel lucky that I found this place – only a couple mins drive away from the main area but it felt like it was in a world of its own. We stayed in one of the spa studios and had a lovely balcony overlooking the gardens. Amazing room and the spa bath was lovely. Would love to come back again.…” “Wonderful surprise! What an adorable place! Just north of Port Campbell – one could walk if one were feeling athletic – with a pastoral view of cows in fields and the property’s exceptional gardens. They were blanketed in flowers in early spring READ MORE

Lough Bishop House has a range of comfortable B&B rooms in a 19th Century farmhouse by the shores of Bishop’s Lough in County Westmeath, the very centre of Ireland. This is a family run organic farm with sheep, cattle, bee hives and an orchard, and the friendly owners will cook you a great breakfast in the morning with some of the produce coming straight from their farm. All guests are very welcome to have a look around the farm too and get to meet some of the animals. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The setting is amazing and the breakfast was absolutely fantastic!…” “Everything is wonderful here, the surroundings, the house, the rooms. Gorgeous breakfast and very gentle owners. Great!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LOUGH BISHOP HOUSE:     READ MORE

This pet-friendly, self catering farm stay accommodation is near Pesaro, in the beautiful, and quite underrated, Le Marche region of Italy, just 6 km from Rossini Opera Festival and 30 kilometres from Federico Fellini Airport. It has a year round outdoor pool in the well kept gardens and its apartments are all comfortable and clean with WiFi and a flat screen TV with satellite channels. The farm itself produces and sells its own wine, as well as olive oil and some fruit, and the friendly owners are always happy to show guests around and teach them a little about the business. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We stayed in villa with family for a week and we really enjoyed it! The apartment was clean, plenty of space and very quiet. The swiming pool was brilliant with gorgeous view to the mountains! We enjoyed Stefan’s perfect wine!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO I CERRI:   READ MORE

In a very charming 16th-century Umbrian farmhouse near to both Perugia and Lake Trasimeno, Umbria, Italy, La Posta agriturismo has a range of lovely, rustic style, rooms and apartments to choose from. Outside you’ll find some beautifully tended gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and all with great views over the surrounding countryside. The ancient farmhouse is surrounded by some almost equally old Dolce Agocia olive trees as well as younger Frantoio, Leccino & Moraiolo trees. They produce organic extra virgin olive oil and a range of jams at the farm, and the owners are always happy to give guests a tour and offer tasting sessions. And they can also arrange visits to local wine cellars. All their accommodation comes with a nice breakfast full of locally sourced ingredients. The owners are very good cooks, you can arrange evening meals and they can also arrange cooking classes for guests on a range of local specialities. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “A great place to relax and enjoy the Umbrian summer: This place is so peaceful and has such a nice ambience and view that we ended up spending most of our time at the property…” “A relaxing and comfortable stay in a beautiful place. The apartment was comfortable and tastefully appointed and the staff were very helpful; they went out of their way to do those little things that made our stay feel very special…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LA POSTA DI CONFINE: READ MORE

Agriturismo Bannata is a lovely, rustic masseria farmhouse hotel in a great location in central Sicily, Italy. It is near both the spectacular city of Enna and the historic, artistic town of Piazza Armerina with its UNESCO world heritage site Villa Romana del Casale. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a choice of 6 B&B rooms for up to four people per room in their very elegantly restored traditional Sicilian farmhouse. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable, and the whole property has much nice antique furniture and a beautifully rustic style, in all the rooms and in the common lounge and dining areas. There is plenty of space to enjoy outside too around the farm, the gardens, and the swimming pool The food here is excellent, and not only breakfast, they serve really good lunch and dinners too, with a wide variety of Sicilian and Italian food and wine. They include plenty of vegetarian options and a good deal of the ingredients come fresh from their own farm. The friendly owners are always happy to organize cooking classes too, just ask! THE FARM: The farm has olive and almond trees plus various other fruits, vegetables and crops. As mentioned before they use a lot of their own ingredients in the food they serve at the farmhouse, and they also produce olive oil, almonds and cereals. THE LOCATION: The agriturismo is just 6km from the lovely, historic town of Piazza Armerina, in the very heart of Sicily. Many tourists pass this way to see the 4th-century Romana del Casale, a UNESCO world heritage site which has over 3,500 square meters of mosaic floors, but there is plenty more to keep the discerning visitor in the READ MORE

Narköy is a quite unique, eco-friendly hotel on an large organic farm in the province of Kocaeli, Turkey, about an hour east of Istanbul. It’s more a countryside retreat than a hotel though and has a range of workshops in everything from permaculture and bread making to yoga and stress management. And guests are welcome to get to know the farm, help milk the cows, collect eggs or gather fruit, herbs and vegetables. There’s lots to explore in the surrounding area too, with plenty of swimming and hiking to be done, and you can enquire at reception about horse riding and their free bicycle rental. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable and all come with private bathroom and WiFi, and instead of air-con the hotel uses an ecologically more friendly natural ventilation system. There is a very good on-site restaurant too, with a range of Turkish dishes, most of the ingredients of which come straight from the farm. Breakfast is included in the room rate and is, as you might expect, top quality.   READ MORE

La Bobadilla Luxury Agroturismo, near to both Granada and the Costa del Sol, Spain, looks, from a distance, like a classic, white washed village tucked away in the hills of Andalusia. Up close all is revealed; a Moorish style palace and a series of old manor farmhouse buildings converted into what is now undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels in rural Andalusia. The property is gorgeous, the setting equally so, and there is a great range of activities to be enjoyed on its 1000 acre estate; there is an excellent spa, a swimming pool, a gym, a children’s playground, tennis courts, hot tubs, two bars, and three restaurants, one of which is consistently rated as one of Granada’s best. THE ACCOMMODATION: As you’ll see on the booking page, there is a huge range of rooms and suites to choose from, all of which are top of the range luxury. You can expect spacious, individually styled units with wood beamed ceilings, seating areas with plasma TVs & DVD players, and very lavish, marble bathrooms some of which have spa bath/hot tub. Outside they also all have some private space, in the form of a garden, terrace or balcony area. The grounds are beautiful, as mentioned, the entire property has the look and feel of a traditional Andalusian village and is a lovely place to wander around, both the ‘Village’ itself, and the 1000 estate on which it stands, with its lush gardens, olive groves and oak woodlands, and its lovely views of the surrounding countryside. You can hire bikes, and quad bikes, from the hotel and arrange horse riding, guided tours etc. If you have the kids in tow and READ MORE

Wildwood Farm Stay, is on Whidbey Island in the state of Washington, just about 90 miles north of Seattle, has been a center for breeding thoroughbred horses for over 50 years now and today is a ‘center for horsemanship’ with horseback riding lessons, horse boarding and training on the farm which includes an outdoor arena, 2 indoor arenas a covered round pen, a saddlery, a tack store and 80 acres of pastureland. Even if horseback riding is not your thing the farm and the surrounding region, Whidbey Island, make for a wonderfully peaceful rural escape with green fields and forests all around and the beautiful Pacific Ocean never far away. Hiking is popular here as is canoeing, ask at the farm for recommendations and advice. They have a range of B&B rooms and suites, all of which are cosy and comfortable with WiFi, flat screen TV and private bathroom. There is a shared lounge/TV area too where every morning the hospitable owners will serve you up a good hearty breakfast, and outside you can spend some time relaxing in the hot tub overlooking the meadow fields. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Could not have been better: Clean, comfy, really nice room 2 snuggly queen beds, very clean bathroom. Fresh baked cookies early evening, yummy! Best breakfast, so very good. Everyone was kind, friendly, and helped us relax and really take in the horse farm….” “Exceptional: It was peaceful, quiet, just serene. it you want busy and loud not the place to go.Great place to unwind. Breakfast was very good. A very good value over all….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT WILDWOOD FARM B&B: READ MORE

The very highly rated Agriturismo Arco di Sole has a range of self catering apartments in a converted farmhouse on its olive oil and wheat producing organic farm in the heart of Puglia/Apulia, Italy, just 10 minutes outside the town of Martina Franca. All their comfortable and clean apartments come with air conditioning and WiFi, kitchenette, and a seating area with flat screen TV. Though the accommodation is self catering a fantastic breakfast is provided every morning in the main dining room of the farmhouse. The white limestone house is surrounded by some very nice gardens and guests are welcome to wander around the farm where the friendly owners are always happy to explain about the making of the farm’s produce. They can provide other services too; child minding, laundry, airport/local town shuttle services, grocery delivery, tours etc. etc. And if you tire of the farm eventually the surrounding area is beautiful to explore and for that you can also hire bikes direct from the farmhouse. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Amazing host, very authentic accommodation, felt more like a home, beautiful surroundings away from the crowds. Wonderful experience, will be back!!….” “We absolutely loved the place. The apartment was beautifully decorated and with everything you may need. The owner welcomed us with coffee and water and she even baked fresh focaccia and bought artisan ice-creams for our children. Even the shampoos were organic….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO ARCO DI SOLE:   READ MORE

Glen Valley Farmhouse is a very homely, family run B&B near the picturesque village of Leenaun/Leenane, Connemara, County Galway. They keep sheep and Connemara ponies on their large farm which guests are free to roam around and, being surrounded by the 12 Bens and the Maam Turk mountain ranges, it also makes an ideal base for exploring some of Ireland’s most iconic scenery. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have cosy and clean en-suite B&B rooms, doubles and twins, each of which has lovely views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll be served a a fine breakfast in the morning with things like pancakes, bacon, salmon, homemade bread and scrambled eggs from the farm’s free range hens. The owners are very friendly and hospitable and you can socialise with them and the other guests around the fireplace in the guest lounge and, when the weather is good, you can also hang out in the gardens from where the views are of course beautiful. THE LOCATION: This part of Connemara particularly is full of wild scenery and is a tremendous place for hill walkers. The 12 Bens and Maam Turk ranges surround the farm and Ireland’s only fjord, Killary Harbour, is just a few minutes up the road too. The lovely little village of Leenane is about 8km away, Clifden, the unofficial ‘capital’ of Connemara is 30km while Galway city is 70. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This was one of my favourite B&B’s in all of Ireland. The setting is stunning, away from everything in the middle of the mountains on a farm. The building is beautiful, the area is beautiful, the room was beautiful and authentic. I loved the owner. She was so friendly READ MORE

This cottage farm stay near the town of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, England, is a lovely, homely B&B set on a working cattle farm overlooking the Henmore Valley. The Accommodation: They rent out one very comfortable and modern room on the ground floor with flat screen TV and private bathroom with bath. There is a nice lounge and dining area too where the friendly owners serve up a great breakfast every morning. The Location: The immediate area, the Henmore Valley is a gorgeously green land of rolling hills that is great for gentle walks. Farther afield; it’s about 40 minutes drive to the Peak District National Park, and closer still you have the Dovedale National Nature Reserve and if you want to play golf, Ashbourne Golf Course is around 15 minutes away. The nearest airport is East Midlands airport about 40 miles from the farmstay. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Couldn’t have picked a better place. Absolutely lovely hostess. The views were beautiful to see and the quietness of the place was heaven. Only spent one night there it was excellent place to recharge and rest after a day exploring Derbyshire. Definitely would go back and also recommend it to others staying in that area.” “Gorgeous location well in the countryside yet only a couple of miles away from the town of Ashbourne. Fantastic breakfast, served with a view over the hills….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT WHITEHOUSE FARM: READ MORE

Agriturismo Casale Degli Ulivi is a top quality farmhouse B&B near Alghero, and the Coral Riviera where you’ll find some of Sardinia’s and indeed Italy’s most beautiful beaches. Their 30 acre farm grows grapes, olives and various fruits and vegetables, their accommodation is modern, clean and comfortable and outside in the well tended gardens you have a hot tub and a swimming pool at your disposal. THE ACCOMMODATION: The farmhouse dates from 1930 but has been completely renovated in 2015 and there they have a range of rooms to sleep up to four people. All of them are quite modern in style though the exposed wood beamed ceilings also give them a nicely rustic farmhouse feel. They are all super clean and comfortable and come with nice private bathrooms too. The property is eco-friendly; the renovations incorporated a photovoltaic system for hot water and heating and overall the building has a A + energy class certificate. Their breakfast is highly rated by guests and it features some of their own farm produce including their own eucalyptus honey and various home made jams. This you can take inside or outside on the lovely veranda overlooking the gardens which have a swimming pool, a hot tub and plenty of space to lounge around or sunbathe. Beyond that there are the grapevines, olive groves and orchards which you are of course free to wander around. THE LOCATION: In the heart of some lovely peaceful countryside, this agriturismo is also just minutes away from the stunning beaches of the Coral Riviera. The lovely, and ever popular, city of Alghero is just 9 km away too, with its international airport even closer at 3 km. Porto Ferro is 4 READ MORE

Less than a half an hour from Perth city centre, this Swan Valley farmstay is very highly rated and with good reason. It is stylish and chic, akin to a boutique hotel, but with a pleasant country farmhouse vibe. You’ll find the owners hospitable and friendly and the breakfast here is particularly good. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have two double rooms available, both of which have their own private entrance and outdoor terrace. They are also nicely designed and furnished, and have the usual mod-cons; air-con, WiFi, flat screen TV. The bathrooms are very nice as well with the larger of the two rooms, the ‘king room’ also having a spa bath. You’ll be treated to a very good and generous fresh breakfast at Kellers, with much of the ingredients coming from their small working farm. Guests are free to take a look around and meet some of the cows, sheep and pigs that call the place home, and, if they so wish, they can help out with farm chores, collecting eggs etc. THE LOCATION: Keller’s farm is very near Perth, at the edge of the Swan Valley. Here you’ll find lots to see and do; the Swan Valley is very popular with food and nature lovers and you’ll find some nice rural scenery, top class wineries, restaurants, food factories and farmers markets at almost every turn. Just up the road is the famous Margaret River Chocolate Factory for example and the equally famous Sandalford Winery is close by too. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Breakfast is in a world of its own, and we were shown around and participated in the daily workings of the farm. I will definitely be back READ MORE

Minimbah is a lovely, very family friendly, Kangaroo Valley retreat with three spacious self catering cottages on its 150 acre working farm, which is surrounded by rainforest and has a number of friendly animals including cows, goats, alpacas, sheep and hens. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is one 6 bedroom cottage, one three bedroom and one two bedroom cottage to choose from. All of which are spacious, comfortable and well equipped, and with the help of some sofa beds and bunk beds have a maximum occupancy of 16, 11 and 8 respectively. Check them all out on the booking page here. They lie on one side of the farm, roughly 80 metres from each other, but are nicely set to ensure enough privacy for each. There is much to see and do around the farm, especially, but certainly not exclusively, for kids, though they do have a ‘kid’s fort’ playground with plenty of fun games to keep them occupied. Guests are free to wander the farm as they please and help feed the friendly alpacas and goats, collect eggs, paddle in the creek, have a picnic or go wildlife spotting where, with a bit of patience, you can see a remarkable amount of wildlife; kookaburras, lyre birds, wedge tailed eagles, echidnas, kangaroos, wombats and more. Note: there is  no WiFi THE LOCATION: Minimbah Farm is just a kilometre and a half from the quaint Kangaroo Valley village, which makes for a pleasant walk through some lovely verdant countryside. There you’ll find some nice cafes, restaurants and shops and from where you can organize all sorts of the outdoor activities which are a typical feature of a holiday in Kangaroo Valley; boat trips READ MORE

La Ferme d’Angèle is a completely enchanting rural retreat near the village of Séez in the French Alps, and within driving distance of Lyon, Chambery, Chamonix and Mt. Blanc. The accommodation is in a renovated 19th century alpine style farmhouse that has a uniquely cosy, almost fairytale like atmosphere, and though not a working farm anymore it is surrounded by some gorgeously rural countryside. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have six rooms to sleep from two to four people and all are decorated in that beautifully rustic style that typifies the whole property. Downstairs there is a dining area, a library, a TV room and a lounge with a large open fire and a piano. Outside you’ll find a large terrace with an outdoor dining area plus a lovely garden with hammocks and seating and an array of plants and flowers. They also have a traditional wood fired hot tub at the property. The accommodation is B&B and the breakfast is generous and full of good fresh produce. You’ll find the owners friendly and hospitable and they are fine cooks, so make sure to order some of their evening meals and sample some of their large collection of wines. You can also try some of their home made herbal teas and liqueurs and they are always happy to cater to dietary restrictions. THE LOCATION: La Ferme d’Angele is just three kilometers from Séez village centre, with the nearest train station being at Bourg-Saint-Maurice about 7km away (You can arrange a free shuttle service to and from the farmhouse just let them know before arrival). The scenery around here is glorious, and the views from the property are stunning in winter or summer. READ MORE

Il Castagnolino is a classic Tuscany agriturismo with high quality B&B accommodation, fantastic food and lovely views of San Gimignano and the Tuscan Hills. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their 6 rooms are traditional style, with terracotta floors and wood beamed ceilings. They’re clean and comfortable and come with private bathroom and WiFi. Outside you’ll find a swimming pool and gardens with plenty of place to relax looking out on to the countryside below. The breakfast is buffet style and includes, amongst many other things, a nice selection of homemade jams, yoghurts and cakes. You can also enjoy a full 4 course Tuscan meal every evening at the restaurant with much of the ingredients coming fresh from the farm. Guests are also welcome to join the daily cooking classes, where you can learn to make a range of Tuscan and Italian staple dishes. THE FARM: Organic olives, and other fruit, vegetables and spices are grown on the small farm. As mentioned previously the owners make some of their fine homemade food from the farm produce, and guests can sample some at meal times, learn to cook with it, and buy some to take home from the on-site organic shop. THE LOCATION: Agriturismo Il Castagnolino is just 3km outside San Gimignano, Tuscany, it is also less than 30km from the ancient Etruscan town of Volterra, while the cities of Siena and Florence are both about 50 to 60km away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Nothing in life is perfect but this stay with Carmela was very very close. The location with its views were breathing taking and Carmela’s home local cooking & breakfast was just wonderful. Her staff were always friendly and helpful. Thank you READ MORE

Quinta Do Mel Agroturismo is a peaceful and tranquil rural retreat near Portugal’s Algarve coast, and within easy reach of the cities of Albufeira and Faro. THE ACCOMMODATION: The farmstay can offer a self catering apartment plus a range of B&B rooms. All the rooms are super comfortable and clean and come with air con, WiFi, TV, private bathroom and under-floor heating, while the the self catering two bedroom apartment has all that plus a spacious lounge and kitchen. Outside there is a swimming pool in the gardens and plenty of space to relax with a seating area and sun loungers. THE FARM: There is an extensive eco-friendly organic farm at Quinta do Mel which breeds sheep and grows cork, fruits, vegetables and herbs and is now in its fourth generation of family ownership. The owners are enthusiastic about organic and eco-friendly farming techniques and are always happy to show guests around. They serve a great breakfast which is available at any time, and other good food and snacks can also be ordered throughout the day, many of the ingredients of which come straight from the farm including their own home made herbal teas and jams. THE LOCATION: Though very near Albufeira, Faro and the tourist masses of the Algarve, the farmstay and its immediate surroundings are very much peacefully rural. Most visitors never get to see this side of the Algarve but those that do find it a rich experience. The area, between the coast and the mountains of the north, is known as the Baroccal and it is classic Portuguese farming country with small white walled villages, rocky hills, fruit orchards and rolling plains of cork, olive and almond trees. The READ MORE

In the midst of the beautiful Montseny Park near Arbúcies, Catalonia, and about 90km north of Barcelona, Masia El Buxaus farm stay has a range of B&B rooms in a restored 18th-century manor house surrounded by a small farm where you’ll find pigs, hens and donkeys plus various vegetables and fruit trees. There’s an outdoor swimming pool in the large gardens too from where the views over the surrounding hills and forests are wonderful. There is a shared lounge at the property with a nice fireplace, a games room and a bar and restaurant, where you can be served some really good home cooking, much of it coming from directly from the farm, including a generous buffet breakfast every morning. There is a TV in the lounge too and WiFi throughout the property. The area surrounding the farm; Montseny Natural Park is a great area for hiking, trekking and mountain biking and the farmstay owners can give plenty of good advice about where to go and what to see and they can also organize tours for you with local tour companies. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This place is beautiful, run by two of the most amazing, warm and amenable people on the planet. The cooking is excellent, unpretentious, simple and so tasty, seasonal things are grown on site. The views at sunrise can make you cry with joy, not to be missed. Its hard to express how awesome this place is….” “Place is ideal for relaxation and disconnecting. The house is beautiful, the staff are sweet and animals are adorable. Hikes around the hotel are super great. Room is big and beds are comfortable…” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & READ MORE

In the rural hills of Basilicata, Italy, Taverna Centomani farmstay has a range of comfortable B&B rooms on a working sheep and cattle farm near the city of Potenza. THE ACCOMMODATION: All their rooms come with private bathroom, WiFi and flat screen TV and the hospitable owners serve a very good Italian style, sweet and savoury buffet breakfast in the morning, with some of the produce direct from the farm. And for lunch and dinner there are a number of good quality restaurants in the surrounding area. THE LOCATION: Though very near the city of Potenza the area feels beautifully remote. There are quite a few really lovely hiking trails in the surrounding hills, and there is a local horse riding stable from where horse riding trips can be arranged. Or if you prefer to cycle you can rent bikes from the farm, and winter sports lovers can visit the nearby Sellata ski area. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Absolutely outstanding! The homemade food, the hospitality, the warmth of Maria…what a very special place….” “Great hostess, clean mountain air, all organic, sustainable farm, wonderful dinner offered….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO TAVERNA CENTOMANI:   READ MORE

Just 500 metres from the shores of the North Sea in the heart of North Frisia, Germany, Familie Wulff farm stay offers lovely bright and clean self-catering apartments with balcony, full kitchen and satellite TV. There’s a bike rental place nearby and its a great area to explore by bike. It’s very close to the village of Bredstedt and the famous Wattenmeer mudflats and also near the lovely traditional Fresian town of Hüsum. Kids can enjoy the games room, and play area with swings and trampoline. There are also horse stables on the farm and horse riding can be arranged. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “It was all exceptionally great……Many thanks for everything…We look forward to the next visit….” “Top location for ornithologists and nature photographers. Very nice and helpful hosts, functional and cozy apartment, ideal for bird and nature watching located on the northern edge of the NSG Beltringharder Koog, the Wadden Sea and the Halligen and only ten minutes away from the NSG Hauke Haien Koog….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BAUERNHOF FAMILIE WULFF: READ MORE

Turtleback Farm Inn is a beautifully peaceful rural retreat, located as it is on Orcas Island, one of the San Juan Islands, in Washington State. These islands are famous for their native wildlife and you’ll find great opportunities to see eagles, hawks, whales and seals. The farmhouse itself is over a hundred years old and sits on 80 acres of farmland with six ponds, a flock of sheep as well as domestic geese and hens, and all surrounded by the lush, green woodland typical of Orcas Island. All seven of its bedrooms are spacious and very comfortable, with private bath and very nicely decorated with antique furniture. They’ve got a library at the farm too and a cosy shared lounge. It’s a popular spot though; it was chosen by National Geographic Magazine for example as one of the ‘most authentic and unique hotels in the western U.S.’  While Sunset magazine once described it as ”One of the country’s most romantic inns.” So with such high praise, it’s wise to book ahead! READ MORE

Mount Bundy Station offers a friendly, enjoyable farm stay experience by the banks of the Adelaide River, near Darwin, in Australia‘s far north. It is on the route between Darwin and the Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, and so sees quite a few visitors both for farm tours and for over night stays on its huge working cattle farm station. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a whole range of accommodation options for up to eight people per unit, a mixture of rooms, self-catering cottages and glamping tents. And all come with access to a large shared kitchen. The friendly staff at the tour desk can help you with a day tour around the farm, on horse back if you like, or a days fishing. And if you don’t feel like cooking in the morning you can buy a good breakfast pack at reception. Note: There is no WiFi! THE LOCATION: The farm is a good base for exploring the popular Adelaide River area and the Litchfield National Park. The park is about 20 miles away and you can organize day trips direct from the farm by 4WD. Highlights include hiking around the creeks, bathing in the Florence and Wangi Falls and swimming in its many rock holes. Another nice trip is to take a 4WD tour around the thermal pools of Butterfly Gorge, where you can take a swim and watch out for its abundance of wildlife, especially birdlife. And there are many more places to see in this wonderful natural environment. Horse riding trips can also be organized closer to home; you can visit the nearby Robin Falls along Dorat Rd for example and explore some lovely peaceful countryside along READ MORE

In the centre of New South Wales, and not far from the Australian capital Canberra, Moorallie Farm, has the lovely Adelong Creek running through it and has peace, quiet and the joys of nature in abundance. The whole region is famously great for hiking and fishing with the beautiful Snowy Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park very nearby, and the farm itself has cattle, sheep and hens, grows apples, figs and pears and even breeds labrador puppies! Their clean and comfortable self catering cottage has a lounge with TV, full kitchen, private bathrooms, with a bath. Outside, in the large gardens you’ll find BBQ facilities as well as a swimming pool and even a tennis court. It’s self catering but the very friendly owners are happy to provide you with a breakfast starter pack on arrival. Note: No WiFi available. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “One of the loveliest places I have ever stayed!…” “Such a gorgeous view and surrounding country. The host family was so friendly and welcoming….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MOORALLIE COTTAGE FARM STAY:   READ MORE

Gumleaf Cottage is a traditional Aussie farm cottage on a 12 acre farm near Swan Valley and the Perth Hills, and around 30 minutes from Perth Airport. The cottage is self catering, and private, and you can have as much time by yourself as you need or you can also explore the farm and meet all the friendly animals that call it home; goats, sheep, hens, rabbits, parrots and miniature ponies for example, and get involved in farm tasks such as collecting eggs, feeding the animals and fruit picking etc. THE ACCOMMODATION: The 100 year old original farm cottage still has a nice traditional feel but is fully renovated inside with a new modern kitchen and bathroom. There are three bedrooms, two of which are doubles with queen size beds and one children’s room with 2 sets of bunk beds, so can sleep 8 but there are also two cots available to sleep extra infants if required. The cottage is adjacent to the main farmhouse and beside the gardens, which have a trampoline, a splash pool and a playground, and of course the 12 acre farm. There you will find lots of farm animals which you are welcome to meet and you can engage in all sorts of fun and educational activities that kids especially will love from pony rides (Note: the listing is in the horseback riding category though there are only ponies here to ride!) and row boating on the dam to bug collecting and possum spotting. You can also go bush walking in the forests around the farm which have miles of trails and where you can spot all sorts of exotic wildlife. THE LOCATION: Gumleaf is READ MORE

At the edge of tropical rainforest, about 40 miles from Hilo International Airport, and very close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Aloha Happy Place farm stay has relaxed, homely B&B accommodation on an eco-friendly working farm with horses, sheep, hens and a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Horse back riding is a big attraction here, they offer lessons and can bring their guests out on some lovely trail rides through the surrounding jungle and beaches. All their rooms are individually decorated with a rustic, quirky style and come with private bathroom, cable TV and WiFi. There’s a sociable shared lounge with a lava fireplace at the property, plus a library and a games room, and you’ll find a tasty breakfast in the morning with many ingredients coming straight from the farm including some good fresh fruit. Guests are welcome to explore the farm and meet some of the animals, and the owners can give you a guided tour with a bit of advance notice. The immediate area around the farm has so much natural beauty to offer; when not going out on the horseback trails you can do some jungle hiking or head to the beaches for a swim and the farm owners can lend you raincoats for jungle treks and snorkels, masks and fins for swimming. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Exceptional: Joan is the owner of the space and she will take care of you like if you were family. It was such a good time to have stayed there. Super easy access to the Volcano Park and in easy access to other locations within the island. It is in a place where you can appreciate the wild and READ MORE

Solheimar Eco-Village is a special kind of farm stay near Reykjavik, Iceland. It is, as the name suggests, not just a farm but an entire community, with strong ecological principles and an artistic, cultured, atmosphere. In terms of farming they grow organic fruit and vegetables which you can buy in the village shop to cook with or to take home, and they also have the distinction of cultivating Iceland’s only organic forestry plantation. But that is only a small part of the story, they organize a huge range of activities and workshops at the village where you can learn about sustainability and permaculture amongst other things and create everything from ceramics and carpentry pieces to herbal shampoos and candles. Cultural events are organized too, involving music, theater or sports for example. All in all a stay at Solheimar can be a fully immersive, active experience if you so choose, or if not it is also a terrific place to unwind, and to meet some interesting, idealistic, people from around the world in a nice communal atmosphere. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice of single and double rooms plus a couple of one double bedroom self catering apartments that than sleep a total of four using the sofa bed in the living room. A self service breakfast is included in all the accommodation options and there are also communal kitchen facilities which you are free to use throughout the day, a well as the sociable shared lounge. There is Wifi all over, and in the gardens you’ll find plenty of outdoor seating, BBQ facilities, and a children’s playground.Around the village there are the organic forest plantations which have many little trails READ MORE

The first urban farm project on FarmStayPlanet, Crosby Street Hotel is in the heart of Lower Manhattan’s Soho district and so could never be accused of being some kind of rural escape. It might not be a farmhouse exactly but it does have a small farm as a part of the growing movement of urban farming. It is a top of the range, luxury hotel with a twist; there is a small but very functional farm on the 12th floor roof top terrace producing a good range of organic fruit, vegetables and herbs that end up in the kitchen of their very fine restaurant. And if that wasn’t enough it also has some hens, there to lay what surely must be Manhattan’s freshest eggs. THE ACCOMMODATION: The hotel is large with 89 rooms in total, all of them are bright (floor to ceiling windows), modern and the height of comfort and cool urban style. They range from standard doubles to sumptuous two bedroom suites, all of which are individually styled by someone showing a real flair for interior design. None will disappoint in almost any way, though prices are of course high. The common areas are equally plush with two courtyard gardens and a drawing room, and the above mentioned restaurant of course too. It is always busy and serves up some of Soho’s best, and freshest (see above) food in a nice casual atmosphere. For extra buzz there is the Crosby Bar which has a reputation for excellent cocktails and for being a generally fun place to spend the evening. There is a top class gym at the hotel too and in the basement, a state of the art READ MORE

Blacktree farm, in Muğla, Turkey, just off the Lycian Way and about an hour’s drive south of Fethiye, has self catering accommodation in traditional stone cottages on a small certified organic farm where they grow a variety of fruit and vegetables and produce, amongst other things, their own olive oil, bread and preserves. The Accommodation: They have nine cottages in total, of various sizes, and all are homely and comfortable with an open plan kitchen and lounge with a fireplace, and each has at least one bedroom with a balcony overlooking the surrounding hills. While outside in the gardens you’ll find a swimming pool, a tennis court and a children’s playground. They have a small restaurant too which serves some really good fresh homemade food on the outdoor terrace, including a classically generous Turkish breakfast which you can order up until the afternoon, and they can also offer English style breakfasts too. The Location: The surrounding area has loads to offer hiking and cycling enthusiasts and you can rent mountain bikes at the farm for free. If you’re feeling energetic one morning you could hike down some really spectacular terrain to Kabak beach in less than two hours, or to the more low key Balatli Beach in about three. The farm owners can offer a shuttle service to the beaches though only once a week, and, with a bit of advance notice, they can also arrange guest pick ups from part of the Lycian Way about 2km away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Tranquil place with a fantastic location. The pool is beautiful and clean. You can play also tennis, table tennis and billiard. Stone cottages are perfectly equipped. The owner, READ MORE

Quinta da Tapada Agroturismo has self catering accommodation in a lovely traditional farmhouse near the old city of Evora, and the medieval village of Evoramonte, Alentejo, Portugal. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have studio, one and two double bedroom cottages, all of which are modern and clean with a lounge and kitchenette, and come with air-con, flat screen TV and WiFi. The studio has one double bed, as has the one bedroom unit but there is also a sofa bed in the lounge of the one bed unit which can fit one more person. The accommodation is self catering but also included in the price is a great buffet breakfast every morning full of fresh local produce some of it from their own farm. Outside there is a terrace area and extensive gardens where you’ll find beautifully tended lawns, ancient olive trees, a swimming pool and barbecue facilities. And there’s the farm too of course which you’re welcome to have a look around, with sheep, goats, pigs and hens, and a range of fruits, herbs and vegetables. THE LOCATION: The small, typically Alentejo, town of of Vimieiro is just down the road, about ten minutes walk away or less than two minutes drive. There you can find a supermarket, a few small shops, and nice restaurants and cafes. The land is flat in these parts and great for long walks, or for cycling and you can hire bikes for free at the farmhouse. Farther afield there is the medieval village of Evoramonte just 13km away and the famously beautiful and historic city of Évora 40km away. There you can marvel at its UNESCO protected historic centre and its many highlights such as READ MORE

The Farm, Willunga, South Australia, is a working organic vineyard and olive farm with a lovely setting overlooking the sea. It has a very good on site restaurant & cafe too where you can taste some great local food and wine including some of the farm’s own produce. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have very nice B&B rooms at the farmhouse plus two equally nice self catering apartments with fully equipped kitchens, spacious comfortable lounges with flat screen TV, and lots of outdoor space with barbecue facilities. You’ll find all the accommodation to be of the highest standard in terms of cleanliness, comfort and modern facilities. Check out all on the booking page here. The apartments are self catering but the helpful owners also provide a great breakfast in the farm restaurant or it can be delivered to your apartment. They can arrange bike hire too and the surrounding area is great for cycling and of course swimming, with Aldinga beach being just down the road. The area, McLaren Vale, is also one of Australia’s most famous wine producing regions with lots of wine tourism activities to be enjoyed. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Excellent hosts, beautiful location and amazing breakfast. My wife is coeliac and the kitchen produced some very fine gluten free food for her. We felt very well looked after. Robyn has a great knowledge of the local vineyards and is more than willing to give some recommendations / suggestions on tasting itineraries. The room was very well kitted out and we will certainly return. 10 out of 10 from us!…” “With an incredibly friendly welcome, generous and flexible service, and perfect recommendations, Farm Willunga was an unforgettable experience. Perfect READ MORE

  Among the vineyards of Safranbolu, in the Black Sea region of Turkey, this lovely farm stay has four spacious and very comfortable rooms in a 280 year-old, carefully restored, Ottoman mansion surrounded by extensive fruit and vegetable gardens which supply some of the ingredients for their wonderful homemade breakfasts. Their rustic rooms come with private bathroom and free WiFi, and in the gardens there’s a seating area with hammocks and a small children’s playground. READ MORE

This popular resort in Hawley, Pennsylvania, and about 12 minutes’ drive to Lake Wallenpaupack, is part farm, part resort, part sports center. Among the vegetable fields you can play tennis, basketball, volleyball, mini golf, table tennis and swim in the outdoor heated pool. A good hearty breakfast and dinner are available in the restaurant and bar and each of their large comfortable rooms have a flat-screen TV, a mini refrigerator, an iron and ironing board, a study desk, free WiFi throughout and private bathroom with hairdryer. Kids will be well taken care of too. Along with all the sporting activities there’s also a nice children’s playground. Other facilities include a business meeting room and the surrounding area is great for hiking and fishing. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Very friendly staff. Comfortable bedding. All was clean. The animals and grounds were unique and spacious, well kept. Looked like a fun place to spend more time especially with children….” “The food was unbelievable! We didn’t expect the food to be “Chef Ramsey” quality, but it actually exceeded it! We also felt like we were VIPs, even though the staff makes everyone feel that way. The pool was great, too. We will definitely go back….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LUKANS FARM RESORT: READ MORE

  Near to both Seville & Cordoba but very much in the wilds of northern Andalucia, Spain, this charming farm stay has a variety of rooms and suites on a working organic farm with an outdoor swimming pool. It offers horse riding lessons too and has ready access to some of Europe’s most enchanting landscapes including the beautiful Sierra Norte de Sevilla Nature Reserve. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of rooms; both doubles and triples as well as a larger double suite. And all of the rooms are spacious and clean and come with with private bathroom, WiFi, air conditioning, and heating. There is also a very nice outdoor terrace with barbecue facilities and of course the swimming pool. And the owners can provide a very good breakfast every morning for a small extra charge which includes some of the farm’s own organic produce. THE FARM: The main attraction at the farmtay are the horses; they train horses here and can provide horse riding lessons to guests as well as horse riding tours in the surrounding area. It’s not just horses though, they have an orchard and vegetable plots and they also keep sheep goats, hens and a peacock, and guests are welcome to meet all of them. THE LOCATION: The surroundings; the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Nature Reserve is a truly spectacular region full of old European wildlife that have been pushed to, or towards, extinction in most other parts of the continent: Imperial eagles, black vultures, black storks, mongeese, wolves and wild boar to name but a few. There are some great hiking trails around, and mountain biking and horse riding can be arranged through the farmhouse. READ MORE

Masseria Torre Spagnola is a luxury agriturismo near Matera, Basilicata, Italy, in a unique, beautifully atmospheric 16th Century manor house. It is surrounded by a large working wheat and dairy farm and is walking distance from the city of Matera. All their very spacious and comfortable air conditioned rooms come with private bathroom, WiFi and flat screen TV and they have a unique, rustic ambience which is shared by the whole property both inside and out. There is an on-site bar with a good range of drinks and snacks and they serve a fantastic breakfast every morning. The nearest airport is Karol Wojtyla Airport about a half an hour’s drive away at Matera and a shuttle service can be arranged to and from the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Italy at its finest. Superb location, stunning buildings, interesting history, this place was created with love to showcase rural Italy. Outstanding….” “Wonderful! Staying in a 16th century castle close to the beautiful city of Matera is a dream come true….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MASSERIA TORRE SPAGNOLA:   READ MORE

This lively eco-friendly farmhouse stay in the village of Pömling, just 5 km from Melk Abbey in the heart of some typically beautiful lower Austrian countryside. The working farm has a whole range of animals; cattle, pigs, horses and ponies, with both horse & pony riding is available, and even a herd of red deer. They also have some smaller pets that children will love like guinea pigs and rabbits, and kids will also appreciate the outdoor playground and the natural bowling alley. The accommodation is in the form of self catering apartments which are all spacious and comfortable, and come with fully equipped kitchens and lounges with satellite TV. They also all have balconies with nice views over the gardens and the surrounding, beautifully rural, countryside. Guests at farmhouse can buy some of the many homemade farm products that the friendly owners produce on site and for other supplies there is a supermarket just 2km away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The studio was beautiful, atmosphere of the farm since it’s far away from Vienna was absolutely calming. Nature surrounds you, life is so simple and beautiful. The family who owns the farm are very nice people. The animals especially the horses are beautiful just to watch them. The walk outside the farm all the way to the plantations and forest is just stunning….” “Gorgeous sunny place with the lot of history, great place for children, the owners were fantastic. Incredible sauna…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BAUER & WIRT LANGTHALER:     READ MORE

The homely Agriturismo Fattoria La Prugnola has a great variety of accommodation, including glamping style yurts and a tree house, on an organic, eco-friendly olive farm in the gentle hills of Montescudaio, near Pisa in Tuscany’s upper Maremma/northern Maremma region. The location is idyllic; it is very much surrounded by nature and in its isolated setting you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside all the way down to the famous Etruscan Coast and the sea beyond. THE ACCOMMODATION: There really is a great choice at this agriturismo with cottages, apartments, yurts and a tree house available for up to eight people per unit. So much so that to describe them all individually would take some time but suffice to say that they are all charming in their own way. You’ll find them well equipped, comfortable, clean and cosy, and all have all a nice rustic, Tuscan farmhouse feel to them, with much antique furniture, wood beamed ceilings and soothing pastel shades. Their 5 yurts are not by any means traditional Tuscan of course but they are beautifully put together, spacious and homely. And they are also nicely furnished, blending well some of those same rustic farmhouse touches with the more colourful and exotic ‘walls and ceilings’ of the Central Asian origin yurt. Four of them can sleep up to four people, using one double bed and one double sofa bed, while the largest of them can sleep up to five people with the help of an extra sofa bed. They all too have their own external, private bathrooms. The cosy, romantic tree house is a special property too, and very much sought after, be aware that minimum stay READ MORE

Pietra Campana is a very highly regarded agriturismo farm stay B&B with a stunning setting; a 17th-century hillside manor farmhouse overlooking the town of Orvieto, Umbria, Italy. They have a selection of modern comfortable suites and apartments, each having a lounge area with flat screen TV and DVD players and the apartments having a full kitchen. All the accommodation options, self catering included, come with a great Italian breakfast buffet including some of their own home made organic cakes and jams. There is free WiFi throughout, and small pets can come and stay but you’re asked to let them know before you arrive. The farmhouse is surrounded by acres of olive groves which you are welcome to wander around, and from where you can also enjoy more of the lovely views. The friendly owners make their own olive oil at the agriturismo, as well as various jam and soaps, all of which you’re welcome to sample and of course to buy to take home if you so wish. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Amazing magical place with the most accommodating, friendliest and thoughtful hosts!…” “The view of Orvieto from our room was spectacular! The space was beautiful and perfect for our family. Little extras made it feel very special. Frederica was fantastic and made sure everything was perfect for our stay. Wish it was longer, such a beautiful area….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO PIETRA CAMPANA:   READ MORE

Nell’s Farm House has self catering accommodation in a lovely 200 year old renovated farmhouse at the base of the Comeragh mountains in Co. Waterford, Ireland, about 25km from Waterford City. It’s surrounded by a working, family run, dairy farm that the guests are welcome to explore, watch the cows being milked for example or help collect the eggs from the hens. The family have been doing agritourism for years and they also organize tour and school group visits, to see the modern farm and also their heritage farm; a little look into farming practices of old, like churning butter, bread making and hand milking. The accommodation has two bedrooms, one double and one twin, with a lounge containing an open fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. There is also free WiFi throughout, and outside, a hot tub, barbecue facilities and outdoor seating. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: ““Very enjoyable, relaxing, we were sorry we didn’t get to spend more time there….”” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT NELL’S FARMHOUSE: READ MORE

Feriengut Unterhochstätt is a top quality alpine chalet farm stay with spa just outside Schwendt in the beautiful Tyrol region of Austria and makes for a particularly good farm holiday for families. THE ACCOMMODATION: The suites are spacious and luxurious and as well as the spa bath, some also contain an open fireplace in the lounge area. Their rooms, though less spacious and without some of the perks, are still also of the standard of any quality hotel. All their units, both rooms and suites, have balconies, with nice views over the surrounding countryside, flat screen cable TV and WiFi. There is a children’s playground in the gardens outside, and a swimming pond, while adults can play, amongst other things, table tennis and darts. There is a restaurant and bar here too serving some really great Tyrollean and Austrian food and drink, some of the ingredients of which come fresh from their organic farm, including beef and pork, sausages and eggs. There is a spa and wellness centre at the farm stay too. They have a steam bath, Finnish sauna, solarium and fitness room amongst other things and all their suites come with their own private whirlpool bathtubs. The organic farm is home to a number of the famous highland cattle as well as pigs and hens, and all the guests are welcome to explore, meet the animals and to join in feeding and other daily tasks. THE LOCATION: The area surrounding the farmstay is great for hiking, cycling and horse riding, all of which can be arranged by the friendly farm owners, with horses and bicycles, including electric bikes for hire. You’ll be close to the Zahmer Kaiser Walchsee and READ MORE

Near Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, on the south west coast of Malaysia, Lake View Farm has self catering chalet accommodation surrounded by five acres of land and its own private lake. It is a cute friendly place with a family atmosphere and can be a nice gentle introduction to rural farming life. The Accommodation: The air conditioned chalet has 4 spacious bedrooms, each with one queen size bed and two singles, so there is space for up to 16 people to sleep. There is also a lounge/living room and dining area, a fully-equipped kitchen and four bathrooms. The lounge is spacious with plenty of seating and doors that open out on the lake where you’ll find plenty of space to relax, as well as barbecue facilities and outdoor seating. The Farm: The small farm has a number of friendly goats, hens and ducks, and grows various fruits and vegetables. Guests can enjoy plenty of interaction with the animals and are free to wander around the farm as much as they like. The farm owners have canoes and rowing boats for trips out on the lake as well as fishing equipment, which all guests are free to use. You’ll find the whole environment enjoyable in a very relaxing and pleasant way. The Location: The lovely, and very popular, beaches of Port Dickson are just 5 km from the farmstay, and there are plenty of great beaches all along the nearby coast from Tanjung Gemuk to Tanjung Tuan and beyond. The town of Port Dickson itself isn’t terribly beautiful or interesting but it does have plenty of shops, supermarkets, cafes and restaurants, and gets busy with tourists making their way down to the READ MORE

Le Clos Saint-Vincent is an elegant, upscale spa & winery hotel just outside the charming town of Ribeauvillé in France’s Alsace region. It makes a great base for exploring the Alsace wine route and the hotel can organize all sorts of wine tourism activities for guests. It also has a lovely location; on a hillside surrounded by vineyards and with lovely views over the town and the valley below. THE ACCOMMODATION: The individually decorated rooms & suites are all spacious, with en suite bathroom and flat-screen TV, and some come with a balcony or terrace with views over the garden or vineyards. There is an excellent restaurant at Le Clos too, with a great selection of local wines to be sampled alongside plenty of wholesome traditional French food. Guests can dine in the indoor dining room or weather permitting on the terrace outside. There is also a gym at the property, a wellness centre with massage facilities, a sauna and a hot tub, and an indoor swimming pool. THE LOCATION: Roughly half-way between Strasbourg and Mulhouse, (about 45 minutes from each) and right on the Alsace wine route, Ribeauvillé is a charming medieval town at the foot of the Vosges Mountains. It has a rich past and some very atmospheric, flower filled streets and squares with many classic Alsatian half timbered houses, as well as lots of cafes, restaurants and wine shops. Overlooking the town on a nearby hillside are the ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. They were built starting from the 11th century through to medieval times and have a mixture of architectural styles; Romanesque, Gothic and Early Renaissance. Though mainly in ruins they are READ MORE

Ystumgwern is a friendly organic farm stay in Snowdonia, North Wales, offering luxury self catering accommodation in converted barns around a renovated 15th-century traditional stone farmhouse. It is very near the golden beaches of the Cambrian coast and within the boundaries of the spectacular Snowdonia National Park. THE ACCOMMODATION: It has a range of stylish self catering converted barns that can fit up to five people per unit. They are all fully central heated, all have their own private entrance, a lounge & dining area with TV and DVD player, varying numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms, and a modern kitchen. There is a children’s play area and games room at the farmhouse with a pool table, tables tennis and plenty of games for kids. THE FARM: The farm is a very large, working organic farm with flocks of sheep and some goats. It has a full 1,000 acres of farmland in a lovely setting overlooking the sandy beaches of the Cambrian coast. THE LOCATION: The location is simply wonderful; it has the Snowdonia National Park and its rugged mountains and valleys to the east and north; undoubtedly some of Britain’s best scenery, and very much a nature lovers paradise with plenty of trails of varying degrees of difficulty for hiking and mountain biking. The Rhinog mountain range is the nearest mountain range to the farmstay, there you can lose yourself in some spectacular terrain; visit Cwm Bychan with its peaceful lake and Roman Steps, or the rocky mountains around Cwm Nantcol with some beautiful waterfalls and quiet woodland full of undisturbed wildlife. The Snowdonia Mountain Railway comes highly recommended. It is a relaxing train ride that runs through some really jaw dropping READ MORE

Tenuta Santa Tecla is a serene organic agriturismo in a wonderful location outside the town of Acireale, near to both Taormina and Catania, Sicily, and close too to the Mt. Etna National Park. It sits on a hillside just 2km from the Mediterranean and has some stunning sea views. The farm itself produces a huge range of certified organic fruits and vegetables, including mandarin oranges, lemons and grapefruit and it also makes its own very good brand of extra virgin olive oil. They also have farm animals which guests are welcome to meet including hens, geese, donkeys and a few rare, in this part of the world anyway, Tibetan goats. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice self catering apartments and B&B rooms and suites, all of which are boutique hotel standard in terms of style, comfort, cleanliness, as well as facilities which include air con, mini bar, satellite LCD TV’s, and stylish bathrooms with walk in showers. One room, the ‘deluxe room’ also comes with its own whirlpool spa bath. The apartments can sleep up to four people and have all the above plus a spacious lounge area and a fully equipped kitchen. There is also a wellness centre at the property which includes a sauna/Turkish bath, a yoga area and massage services. Out in the beautifully tended traditional Mediterranean gardens there is a swimming pool, plenty of sun loungers and seating, a children’s play area and an archery range. The breakfast at the agriturismo is top class, much of their organic ingredients come fresh from the farm, and they are always happy to cater for dietary restrictions and special requests. THE FARM: Originally the agriturismo’s main focus was their extensive READ MORE

At the edge of the beautiful Kenting National Park, Hengchun Peninsula southern Taiwan, Ever Spring Eco Farm Stay has a nice range of B&B rooms on its 120 acre eco-friendly organic farm and gardens. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their rooms are comfortable, clean and spacious, and all come with air con, WiFi, cable TV and private bathroom with bathtub, They have an outdoor swimming pool in the grounds as well as their artificial fish pond which also serves for soil irrigation, there are barbecue facilities too and plenty of space to both wander around and to relax. You’ll find a fairly decent restaurant and cafe there too though it doesn’t have much in the way of western food. It makes for a very relaxing place to spend a few days but it can also be quite sociable too. You’ll find the staff friendly and helpful and they can arrange plenty of activities on the farm or in the surrounding area. THE FARM: The farm is very much an ecologically friendly farm and the enthusiastic owners are also happy to teach you a little bit about ecological farming practices and such things as butterfly cultivation on the farm and their growing of a huge range of herbs, vegetables and fruit; chilli peppers, mangoes, papaya, tomatoes, garlic, basil, peppermint and tea tree being just some examples. THE LOCATION: The farm itself is large, and wonderful to explore, a highlight being a climb up its highest hill, on top of which you’ll find a traditional pavilion with a giant antique bell. The view over the Hengchun peninsula and the surrounding ocean is best enjoyed as the sun goes down. The staff can arrange like fishing, hiking and READ MORE

In the north western Lim Chu Kang district of Singapore, close to Kranji Marshes and the Kranji Sanctuary Golf Course, this farmstay has a range of modern, well equipped, villa type accommodation surrounded by lush green vegetation. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their villas range from standard to the executive, all of which come with comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, flat screen TVs and private terraces. In the executive suite you’ll also find a lounge area as well as a nice private jacuzzi and steam room, while their family villas have the added benefit of having their own kitchenette and a bit more space. There is a restaurant at the resort too with a good choice of food, seafood in particular, and also a bar and beer garden with karaoke and live entertainment most nights. There is a business meeting room too and a 24 hour front desk, bicycles for hire and a range of massage and spa treatments. THE FARM: It has a prawning pool on site, which you welcome to can take a look at, and it rents out patches of land to urban farmers to grow a variety of their own fruit, vegetables and herbs. Urban farming is quite popular around Kranji and the farmstay organizes related events such as regular farmers markets where you can buy locally grown, mainly organic, produce to take home. THE LOCATION: The farmstay is in Lim Chu Kang which is a quiet corner of Singapore tucked away between the border with Malaysia and the Kranji reservoir, and it has something of a rural atmosphere that is famously hard to find in other parts of the country. You can take a nice walk or cycle around READ MORE

Farmer’s Guest House has self catering farm cottage accommodation near the towns of Selfoss and Hella and close to Iceland‘s famous Golden Circle tourist route. The setting is deeply peaceful and rural, with some lovely views, the cottages are well equipped, clean and cosy, and the farm owners are friendly and welcoming. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have three cosy one double bedroom cottages to rent as well as, for larger groups, a 160 sq meter farmhouse. You’ll find all of them modern, nicely furnished and very well equipped. The farmhouse has 4 bedrooms on the second floor, each with two single beds, a lounge area and a bathroom with shower. The first floor has the main living room, the kitchen and dining room and another bathroom. All in all it can sleep up to ten people with the help of two sofa beds in the downstairs living room. The cute cottages are nicely designed with a double bedroom, lounge area and kitchen. They’re just 40 sq meters but nicely designed and there is also an outside private terrace to enjoy the lovely scenery (there are views of both the Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes, and of Westman Island) and in winter to maybe catch a glimpse of those infamous Northern Lights. The farm is a working sheep and Icelandic horse farm and the friendly owners are always willing to show guests around, and they offer horse riding trips too. The accommodation is self catering and you can stock up on supplies in the little town of Hella, just 9km away, where you’ll find a a couple of grocery shops, restaurants and bars. THE LOCATION: The farm lies just 9 km west of the little READ MORE

Near the town of Meadview, in the wilds of northern Arizona, U.S.A., and just outside the Grand Canyon National Park, this is a great old style dude ranch that takes you right back to the 19th century, but with more modern comforts. It has a number of cosy cabins around the main ranch house, all comfortable and clean, and furnished in that classic, rustic western style; with wooden log walls and ceilings. They all have their own entrance too, and come with private bathroom, a study desk and fireplace. It also rents a couple of glamping tents with much the same facilities, except for the private bathrooms. Horseback riding is a big attraction here, with some great guided tours in the surrounding countryside where, if you like, you can also organize over night camping stays. You can organize horse drawn wagon rides too, buffalo safaris, night time cook outs around the camp fire and helicopter rides around the nearby Grand Canyon. In the main ranch house you’ll find plenty of excellent food cooked all day and served up in the dining room by an open fire, and there’s also the Diamond Bar with a good selection of wines and beers and live country music most evenings. The nearest airport is Grand Canyon West Airport, less than 20 miles away. Note: No WiFi! WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Superb! Be prepared – there is no wifi, no television and limited cell phone connection 😉 but there are also wonderful hours singing at the fire, amazing helicopter rides into the Grand Canyon and a marvellous night sky with millions of stars. One of the best stays of our holiday!…” “Fabulous. We loved this READ MORE

Pago de Trascasas is an atmospheric vineyard & winery hotel near Valladolid, in Cubillas de Santa Marta, Spain, where you can enjoy some top quality wine, food, rest and relaxation. They have B&B rooms is in a classically rustic Spanish farmhouse surrounded by vineyards from which they produce red and rose Cigales wines using both modern and traditional techniques. It is a well known enotourism centre in the region and you can partake in guided vineyard and cellar tours, as well as wine & food tasting sessions. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have eight double and twin B&B rooms at the hotel, all of which are nicely decorated in traditional Castilian style and full of character. They have all the usual modern comforts too; private bathrooms, digital TV and WiFi. There is plenty of common space at the hotel too; a lounge area and a library & reading room (mainly with books about wine). They have a billiard table at the property too and of course there is the restaurant and dining room. You can expect a good and generous breakfast in the morning and later, some top quality evening meals made with some fine local produce. As mentioned, they have a full program of wine tourism on offer, with tasting sessions of their wines matched with various food stuffs like cheeses and homemade sausages, and educational vineyard and cellar tours. THE LOCATION: The vineyard hotel is conveniently near Valladolid, just 20km in fact and is in a strongly agricultural area well known for its wine and food production.  You can go for hikes around the nearby Torozos Mountains or along the famous Canal de Castilla. The village itself, Cubillas de Santa Marta is READ MORE

Burren Glamping has room for up to 6 in a creatively converted horse trailer on an organic farm near the Cliffs of Moher, Co.Clare, Ireland. Cleverly laid out, the glamping is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, and it gets heated nicely with the wood burning stove. Kids will especially enjoy the experience as well as the chance to roam the farm and interact the animals which include saddleback pigs, donkeys, beef cattle, hens and ducks. THE ACCOMMODATION: Converting a horse truck into living accommodation is not an easy or obvious thing to do but they have done it with style. There are two double beds plus a sofa that can be converted into two single beds at night time. It’s perfectly warm with the wood burning stove while also being fully insulated. There is a good bathroom too with an electric shower, and there is WiFi throughout. Outside the truck there is nice little balcony type seating area plus down the steps a patio area with even more seating. There is also a barbecue at the farmhouse which you are free to use. You don’t have much of a kitchen there, just a kettle, a sink and  toaster, but the friendly owners serve you up a terrific traditional breakfast in the morning using their own free range eggs and pork. THE FARM: At the farm there is a small herd of beef cattle, a pair of donkeys, Saddleback pigs, some hens and ducks, all free range of course and from where, as mentioned, you get most of your breakfast from. There is also a poly-tunnel at the farm where they grow various fruits and vegetables and the whole place is organic READ MORE

Le Rianon has a beautifully peaceful setting deep in the heart of central France. It offers B&B rooms as well as self catering accommodation including a cute wooden caravan. The farmhouse is classic old style French, and very atmospheric, with lots of old wood and stone and they have horses, donkeys and hens on their small farm.   READ MORE

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers has luxury farm stay accommodation on a 6,000 acre sheep farm near Hastings in Hawkes Bay, North Island, NZ. The setting is wonderful, with tremendous views all around, and the quality of the service and facilities on offer, which include a top restaurant, spa facilities and a golf course, make The Farm at Cape Kidnappers not just one of the best farm stay hotels in New Zealand, but one of the best hotels. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of B&B suites or a four bedroom self catering cottage at the farm. All are beautifully appointed, clean, spacious and comfortable, and come with a private balcony, flat screen TV, DVD player, WiFi, and air con. At the main farmhouse there is a lounge area with an open fire, a gourmet restaurant, excellent spa treatments and facilities, a fitness centre, an infinity pool, a hot tub and a wine cellar (where you can join wine tasting sessions). The farm is perhaps most famous for its uniquely spectacular par 71 golf course which has superb ocean views. It also comes with a range of practice facilities, putting and chipping greens, a club shop and club house. The property also includes a fully working sheep and cattle farm, of which guests can arrange tours of, which include some impressive displays of sheep herding by the farm sheepdogs. There are other tours too, a Can-Am tour around the spectacular farm and coastline for example, a visit to a local kiwi sanctuary or gannet colony, horse riding, or tours of local vineyards. THE LOCATION: On the east coast of North Island NZ, the larger area is known as Hawkes Bay with READ MORE

In the heart of British Columbia, Canada, beside the Kettle Valley Railway and just half an hour from Kelowna city center, Myra Canyon Ranch is a cool mix of farmstay, adventure park and horse riding stable and showcases some lovely modern wooden architecture along the way. It’s very highly rated accommodation, both self-catering and B&B, is super comfortable and clean with each having a private bathroom as well as their own private entrance and patio. Wifi is standard throughout. Outside there’s a hot tub for guests to use and barbecue facilities too. And you can pick up a horse from just outside your front door to ride around the ranch, and there’s also lots of good hiking and mountain biking to be found. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “A relaxing ranch with amazing views. The view from all the rooms are spectacular and the warm, friendly greeting from the hosts made it even more of an enjoyable stay. Especially loved the bathroom that overlooked the city of Kelowna!….” “Amazing views, beautiful property. Getting to see and interact with the animals were bonuses for my kids. We loved everything so much that we changed our plans and asked to extend our stay. The kitchen and BBQ were great to use. One of the best places we’ve stayed at….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MYRA CANYON GUEST RANCH: READ MORE

Just outside Maclear, in the beautiful Eastern Cape, South Africa, this very homely and friendly farmstay B&B has a garden with barbecue facilities and the surrounding farmland is lush, green and very beautiful, with horses, cattle and sheep grazing all around. Their rooms, some with private bathroom, are clean and comfortable and there’s a sociable shared kitchen and lounge. You’re free to cook for yourself in the kitchen, or meals can be provided for an extra charge, including packed lunches. The surrounding area is great to explore and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and fishing, ask the friendly owners for advice. There is WiFi, though it is limited in some of the rooms. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The scenery is fantastic. The ambiance of the place was special, and clean fresh air appreciated. The staff is special and made us feel at home. We will definitely return with our family and friends. Thank you….” “Great experience: Homely atmosphere, lovely host, amazing landscape…..” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT FAIRBAIRN GUEST FARM: READ MORE

Near Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, U.K., The Old Wagon House offers an excellent value, self catering, farmhouse stay in the heart of some gentle, peaceful countryside. Their beautifully maintained, rustic style, self catering cottage is on a working sheep farm close to the town of Launceston, and also to the city of Plymouth in neighbouring Devon. THE ACCOMODATION: The accommodation is a tastefully done barn conversion, dating from the 19th century, complete with traditional exposed wood beamed ceilings. It’s a one bedroom property with a four poster double bed, but also comes with two single beds in an annex off the lounge area if needed for extra guests. There’s a log burning stove in the living room/lounge area too, and a flat screen TV. You’ll also find a modern, fully equipped kitchen at the property plus a bathroom with a wet room and walk in shower. And outside there is a nice patio/decking area with a table and chairs THE FARM: Old Wagon farmhouse is on a working sheep farm which guests are welcome to explore, there is also a small vegetable garden from where you can pick a few of your own vegetables for cooking with. They have a small gift shop at the farmhouse too where you can buy some of their own wool products to take home. THE LOCATION: St. Clether is a beautifully quiet and rural part of Cornwall, about a mile in from the coast and Downderry; a picturesque little village with its own popular beach. From the farmstay you can see the sea in the distance while also enjoying some lovely views of the surrounding nearby countryside. If you’re feeling energetic they have bike hire at READ MORE

Surrounded by beautiful woodland and wine groves, Les Hauts De Chenas has B&B rooms on a working vineyard near Lyon in the heart of the Beaujolais/Burgundy region of Rhone-Alpes, France. It has an on-site winery for its highly rated red chenas wines, a small wine museum and its own restaurant which serves some great local food throughout the day. The rooms are spacious and bright with en-suite bathroom, TV and WiFi and a minibar, with some of the larger rooms having a seating area too. There’s plenty of space outside too with a terrace and large gardens leading on to the vineyards which contain a very cute children’ s playground as well as a hot tub/jacuzzi. Beaujolais is world famous wine country and the helpful owners of Les Haut de Chenas will be happy to advise on where to go and what to see in the surrounding area. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Everything! Really can’t fault this lovely place. The location on the hill above the village with views of the vineyards and the valley is superb….” “The welcome, the people, the terrific views, the general friendly atmosphere, the splendid wine made by the proprietor….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LES HAUTS DE CHENAS: READ MORE

Farm Stay Wachahof is in Lower Austria’s Bucklige Welt region, an area famous for its gentle green hills and one which attracts visitors from all over Austria for hill walking, hiking and mountain biking. The farmhouse is surrounded by the family farm with pastures, meadows and orchards, and the farm in turn is surrounded by deep forest where, amongst other things, you’ll find a fish pond with trout. The accommodation at the farm stay is in the form of two self catering studio apartments which can sleep three with the help of the sofa bed, and a larger two floor cottage which can sleep up to seven. The apartments have a kitchenette, a dining area, bathroom and the bedroom/living room with satellite TV. They also have a wood-burning stove and bathroom and plenty of space outside to lounge around and enjoy some beautiful views of the Wechselgebirge mountains. The Cottage provides a lot more space internally and can sleep up to seven with two double beds and the rest sofa beds. There is a large living room area downstairs and a well equipped kitchen. Though the accommodation is self catering you can arrange a good breakfast at the farm stay and the farm owners produce a lot of quality home made food including jams, breads, fruits, vegetables and even home made schnapps which you are welcome to try out and to buy. Outside in the gardens there are sun loungers, deck chairs and barbecue facilities. you are also welcome to tour the farm and the surrounding forest. The nearest town is Edilitz, less than five minutes away by car, while you can be at the well known thermal baths in Bad READ MORE

Bimbadeen Farm Retreats has eco friendly self-contained accommodation on a 340 acre working farm on Phillip Island, just south of Melbourne, Victoria, between Penguin Parade and the Grand Prix Circuit. THE ACCOMMODATION: The modern, villas come with one, two or three bedrooms, to sleep a maximum of 10 people. If you’re expecting some kind of rustic farmhouse experience you’ll be disappointed, the villas are thoroughly modern and minimalist chic but that aside they are super comfortable, clean and well equipped. Check them out in detail on the booking page here. It may not be classic farm accommodation but you can certainly expect a classic Aussie farm experience. The farm animals, cows, sheep, alpacas and hens, roam all around, they are friendly and approachable and you can have plenty of interaction with them throughout your stay plus get involved in farm tasks; collecting eggs, feeding the animals, beekeeping etc., if you so wish. The accommodation is self catering with a well equipped kitchen and you will be supplied with basics like milk, tea and eggs, but if you don’t feel like cooking at any stage you can also order BBQ lunch and dinner packages. THE LOCATION: Bimbadeen is on Phillip Island, less than ten minutes drive from Cowes and around an hour and a half from Melbourne City Centre. The island is peaceful and rural, has some lovely beaches and wildlife parks. Penguin Parade is the most famous but there are more, details of which you can find here Phillip Island Parks. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Fantastic – heaven on Earth! Absolutely loved this place. So peaceful and quiet, and the views were gorgeous. Waking up in the morning and looking READ MORE

Casa Rural Iribarrenea makes a lovely introduction to rural Navarra family farm life. It’s near to both San Sebastian & Pamplona and has a very beautiful setting among the green hills that typify this area just north of the Pyrenees. The farmhouse is traditional style, rustic and quaint but with modern levels of comfort. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a B&B double room for two guests which includes a private bathroom, a balcony and a separate lounge area with flat screen TV, so it is more like a hotel suite. The farmhouse is the family home, you’ll find them kind, helpful and friendly, offering you as much or as little interaction as you like, and you’ll be treated to a great breakfast in the morning. The property is lovely, full of nice antique furniture and retaining a traditional farmhouse feel. Outside there are gardens and of course the farm from which the views are really spectacular. THE FARM: It’s a full time working farm with sheep, cows, donkeys and hens plus vegetable gardens and orchards. The owners are enthusiastic about their work and guests are always welcome to tour the farm and learn a little about the work they do. THE LOCATION: The location of the farmstay is probably the highlight. It sits on a hill overlooking El Valle del Baztan in the green hills north of the Pyrenees and the views are fantastic all around. The nearest village is Zuaztoi a cute little place of about 250 inhabitants, and the farmstay is also just 6km from the beautiful town of Elizondo, the capital of the Baztan Valley, as well as the famous caves at Urdax and Zugarramurdi, just north along READ MORE

  Ayayorgi Evleri offers high quality hotel type accommodation on a farm containing hens and ducks, olive trees and vegetable plots on the lovely island of Bozcaada, Turkey, about 3km from the ferry terminal. All their rooms have private bathroom, flat screen TV with satellite channels, air-con, WiFi, coffee machine and mini bar. And outside in the gardens they have a swimming pool plus plenty of seating and places to relax. They serve a really great buffet breakfast in the morning where you can sample some of their home produced vegetables, olive oil, eggs, pastries and jams as well as lots of other good food. READ MORE

In Louis Creek Valley, near Kamloops city, British Columbia, Tod Mountain Guest Ranch offers all inclusive accommodation packages that include horseback riding lessons, all meals and plenty of drinks and snacks too. The setting is wild and beautiful, and the views are spectacular. The Accommodation: Their rooms are in the form of individual cabins and are cosy, comfortable and clean, with a country style design. They all come with private bathroom and WiFi. Some are self catering too with a kitchen, patio and seating area. Their restaurant really serves up some top quality food and they’ve got a snack bar too, plus a sociable shared TV lounge and a games room with pool table and board games. The Location: Tod Mountain Ranch is just 35 miles from Kamloops where you’ll find a lot going on, in all seasons. It’s a sort of hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts and also has a number of good restaurants, bars , cafes and a small arts scene. There are all sorts activities to be enjoyed in the area around Kamloops and around the ranch; great hiking and mountain biking, fishing and golf, and winter sports in the Sun Peaks Resort for example. For swimming, fishing canoeing etc, there’s the lovely Heffley Lake about 6 miles from the ranch, while B.C.’s capital Vancouver, with its international airport, is 250 miles to the south west.   READ MORE

In Dieffenthal in the heart of the Alsace wine route, between Strasbourg and Colmar, France, Le Vieux Pressoir has self catering accommodation in a traditional Alsatian farmhouse on the grounds of a working vineyard estate. They have a huge choice of accommodation, ranging from double studio apartments to a huge, eight bedroom cottage gite, perfect for large groups. All of the accommodation you will find comfortable, clean and well equipped. You can hire bikes direct from the friendly owners and they are always happy to show you around the estate and winery, and teach you a little about their wine making. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Very pretty property with lovely gardens. We were able to check in much earlier than the advertised time and were made to feel very welcome….” “Friendly hosts, nice environment, good quality rooms. Well worth its price….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LE VIEUX PRESSOIR: READ MORE

Just north of Tucson, Arizona and just 1.6 km from Saguaro National Park, this friendly desert dude ranch is famous for its horseback riding with great trail rides for everyone from novice to experienced. Lessons are of course given too and they’ve got a fun rodeo every Wednesday. But it’s got lots more too; An outdoor pool, an indoor hot tub, a fitness center, a tennis court, a business center and even a movie theater. Children will find plenty to entertain themselves with too. All their comfortable rooms and suites have en-suite bathroom and all come with a terrace as well as such features like an iPod docking station and a mini fridge. The food’s great too. They have a top quality breakfast with cooked and continental options available.  And later in the day a lunch and dinner buffet is available with drinks and snacks readily available anytime.   READ MORE

The Heavens offers luxury cottages with spa baths on its own 160 acre, blissfully peaceful, slice of Kangaroo Valley countryside. It is very much a place to relax and completely unwind, and can make a tempting romantic getaway from Sydney, though it also happily caters for families too. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are two one-bedroom and one two-bedroom cottages to choose from. All are spacious and fully contained with top of the range kitchen facilities, lounge with satellite TV, comfortable beds and spa baths/jacuzzis in the bathrooms. They all offer plenty of privacy and solitude and, from the verandah outside, you have lovely views over the surrounding farmland, and your own barbecue facilities. Check out all the options on the booking page here.  The cottages overlook the farm where you’ll find alpacas, goats, pigs, hens, ducks and guinea fowl as well as a huge amount of the wildlife that Kangaroo Valley is famous for; kangaroos of course, plus wallaroos, wombats, wallabies, echidnas and plenty more. Guests are welcome to stroll around the farm and meet some of the animals go hiking around the bush or treat themselves to a massage package from their on-call professional masseuses. THE LOCATION: The Heavens is just 6km from Kangaroo Valley town and the whole area has loads to offer the outdoors types; horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, rock climbing, fishing etc., and the scenery is, famously, simply gorgeous all around. Kangaroo Valley has plenty to offer food and wine lovers too. There are quite a few wineries which offer wine tours in the surrounding area and some lovely small towns with plenty of food culture, farmers markets etc. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Refreshing, relaxing, READ MORE

Quinta do Rocha is ideally placed for a relaxing break in the heart of some of Portugal’s most lovely countryside; the northern part of the country’s largest vineyard region; Vinho Verde. They have B&B accommodation in a beautiful old mansion farm house, surrounded by vineyards and orchards, which has been in the same family for generations. It is beautifully situated on a lightly wooded hillside with an outdoor swimming pool in the gardens, and the views all around are really quite stunning. THE ACCOMMODATION: The house is large and has a great range of rooms to choose from. All of them are double or twins, though there is one unit which consists of two connecting rooms that can sleep up to four people. They are all classic style, rustic and romantic, and have a nice air of old fashioned opulence. The entire house in fact, feels somewhat from a different, much more grand, era. There is lots of space both inside and out, and you can spend your days by the pool or exploring the orchards and vineyards and in the evenings enjoying a drink on the terrace, which will doubtless include some of their own home grown Vinho Verde wine. And you will be treated to a great breakfast every morning with fresh fruit juice from the farm’s own orchards. THE LOCATION: The Vinho Verde wine region takes up much of Portugal to the north of Porto and is the country’s largest wine growing region. The countryside around Quinta do Rocha, to the north of Braga is surprisingly under visited by foreign tourists, being as it is somewhat over-shadowed by the more well known Douro Valley just to the READ MORE

Conveniently between Paris and Dijon, France, the child friendly Ferme de Flo has B&B accommodation on its busy little animal rescue farm which hosts a huge amount of animals; pigs, ponies, goats, hens, ducks and more, most of which had been abandoned by their previous owners but then found a loving home here. It’s sure to be a hit with the kids as they can have plenty of interaction with the animals but adults too will appreciate the comfortable accommodation, friendly hosts and the educational farm workshops and tours where you can learn about such things as sustainable agriculture, bread making and even how to drive a tractor. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have four B&B guest rooms, all with private bathroom, in the farmhouse as well as a very pleasant self catering cottage with one double/twin bed, three singles and one futon bed to sleep one or two more. All of the accommodation is clean and well maintained and the homemade breakfast is excellent. Guests in the self catering cottage can also enjoy the breakfast but for an extra charge and they can buy all sorts of locally produced food products at the on site shop for cooking with later. The main attraction at La Ferme de Flo are the animals. Over two hundred in total many of them had been abandoned by their owners and then rescued by the farm. They are all very friendly and well used to visitors and guests can partake in farm tasks as much as they like as well as learn a little about farming and taking care of animals. THE LOCATION: The farm is in the little village of Evry, between Paris and Dijon, READ MORE

For some real luxury in a traditional Tuscan setting near Siena, Agriturismo Querceto Di Castellina has gorgeous self catering cottages on a hillside outside the town of Castellina In Chianti. It is a busy, eco-friendly, working farm too, producing some high quality organic wines, grappa and extra virgin olive oil. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a great choice of rustic 15th-century cottages, all with kitchen, lounge and dining area, WiFi and flat screen TV with satellite channels. In the grounds you will find a nice outdoor swimming pool too and well kept gardens surrounded by the farms acres of vineyards and olive groves. It has its own boutique winery and a feature of a stay here is their excellent wine tasting sessions. The food too is highly rated, as are their popular cooking classes at the farmhouse where guests can learn how to prepare a whole host of traditional Tuscan dishes. They have various snacks and small food items available throughout the day too at their wine and cheese bar. Pets are allowed at no extra charge, they have an outdoor play area for children, and have a range of extra services like bicycle hire, breakfast delivered to your room, special diet menus etc. THE FARM & VINEYARD: This family-run is in the finest Tuscan agriturismo tradition, it offers top quality service while also keeping busy producing organic wines and olive oil. Its vineyards are high on a hilltop in ideal conditions for producing its highly rated organic Chianti Classicos; L’aura Chianti Classico and Sei Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Their vineyard and boutique winery can be visited and you can learn a lot from the owners about what goes in to producing READ MORE

Chateau Monteil is a stunning private chateau for rent in the beautiful Dordogne region of Aquitaine, France, near the medieval town of Sarlat la Caneda and close to the famous Lascaux Caves. THE ACCOMMODATION: It’s an extremely spacious property that can sleep up to twenty people quite happily. It has a total of six bedrooms and suites with varying number of beds (check on the booking page), five bathrooms, a large lounge which includes a snooker table and TV, a very well equipped kitchen and outside some nicely tended gardens and terraces which include a heated swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers. The friendly owners of Chateau Monteil live very nearby and will always be on hand should you have any issues. Their farm is beside the chateau  and there you can admire their flock of rare and unusual Cameron Sheep, as well as their friendly free range hens. The owners are excellent cooks too and if needs be they can also supply you with some quality food. For breakfast you can order some freshly baked croissants, baguettes, pan au chocolat & pan aux raisins for example, and in the evenings treat yourself to a fantastic 6 course home cooked meal featuring local delicacies, and where dietary limitations can be cared for with a bit of advanced notice. A supply of some fine wines can be ordered too, with the latest wine list from local suppliers always at your disposal. THE LOCATION: The Dordogne Valley is a famously beautiful region, one of France’s most beautiful in fact and has long enchanted cultured tourists from around the world with its deep green countryside, charming villages and wonderful food and wine. The chateau itself READ MORE

Château de Labro is a luxury B&B vineyard hotel & spa near the town, and international airport, of Rodez in what is now known as the Occitanie region of France, formerly Midi-Pyrénées. The property is a 16th century château that oozes elegance and old world class both inside and out. The food, and the wine, is fantastic and outside there are some beautiful gardens, vineyards and a swimming pool. One little novelty of the place is that they also have a luxury treehouse among the orchard trees in which you can spend the night (Look out for it on the booking page!). THE ACCOMMODATION: The above mentioned treehouse is the most popular option which is usually booked out well in advance. It’s quite a thing, more like a luxury double studio apartment than a classic treehouse, it even has a chandelier for example. A lot of people though may prefer to stay in the actual château which has marvelously romantic rooms, with four poster beds and antique furniture. Most of the rooms are doubles but they also have a family room to sleep up to four and a self catering apartment which can also sleep up to four. All of the accommodation is of the very highest quality, it is a luxury hotel after all, but what separates Château de Labro from most is the beautifully old fashioned decor. It feels a little like stepping back in time, in a good way, especially in the bedrooms, where even the modern touches are consistently tasteful. The food at the chateau is a highlight, always in season and local as much as possible, and they have a suitably good wine list. It is READ MORE

Guesthouse Steindórsstadir  is a friendly farm house B&B in a lovely setting near the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls north of Reykjavik, Iceland. The accommodation is fairly basic but lacks nothing in terms of cleanliness or comfort and there is a nice friendly atmosphere around the common areas which include an outdoor hot tub. The working farm dates back nearly two hundred years and has sheep, cows, Icelandic horses and a friendly dog and cat. THE ACCOMMODATION: The farmhouse is small and intimate with a choice of a single room, two doubles/twins and a triple room. All the rooms are spotlessly clean and have very comfortable beds. The bathrooms are shared but you will find them also spotlessly clean, and well equipped. The accommodation is B&B and you can expect a good, generous breakfast every morning. The kitchen is open to guests too so you can also cook for yourself during the day if you so choose and there’s a sociable shared lounge at the property too as well as a hot tub outside. The farm is a working farm and has been in the family for nearly two hundred years. They keep cattle and sheep as well as the ubiquitous Icelandic Horses. Horseback riding can be arranged and there are some lovely trails all around the farm and the local area to be enjoyed for riders of all abilities. THE LOCATION: Near the Hraunfossar waterfalls north east of Reykjavik the location is gorgeously peaceful and scenic, an expanse of open countryside between the ocean and the mountains that has a frontier like feel though it is only 100km from the Icelandic capital. The main attraction in this area is the READ MORE

Toghill Farm is a family run working farm with homely bed and breakfast accommodation near Bath and Bristol, England. The farmhouse dates back to the late 17th century and though much renovated since it still has lots of historical character, and a cosy, traditional farmhouse feel. The gardens surrounding it are immaculately kept, as is the farm which has sheep, horses and hens, and both have gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside, as far as the River Severn and the Bristol Channel to the west. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a selection of double and twin rooms as well as family rooms to sleep up to five in both the farmhouse and in the adjacent converted barn buildings. Check your options out on the booking page here. All are comfortable and clean and display plenty of old English farmhouse character. The bathrooms are en-suite and all rooms come with flat-screen TV, heating and tea and coffee facilities as standard. You’ll find your hosts friendly and welcoming and you can enjoy some excellent breakfasts in the morning; full traditional English as well as continental options, to be taken in the lovely dining hall overlooking the gardens. Guests are free to wander around the farm, take in the fresh air and the lovely views of the surrounding countryside, and, if they so wish, to meet some of the animals that call Toghill home; horses, sheep, hens and some friendly dogs and cats. THE LOCATION: The farm lies high on a hill near the small village of Wick, which has a couple of shops, a pub and a restaurant, and less than ten minutes’s drive from both Bristol and Bath. It is also a READ MORE

Eumelia Agritourism is an organic, eco-friendly, farm stay in the Laconia region of southern Peloponnese, Greece, an area rich in historical sites, picturesque villages and enchanting rural landscapes. There is a lot to do at Eumelia, it’s a unique sustainable development agritourism and eco-tourism, and guests can partake in as much or as little as they like of such things as fruit, vegetable and herb collecting, olive oil and marmalade making, wine tasting & making, cooking & baking classes, massage therapies, yoga and natural soap making workshops. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have a number of cute, ecologically friendly, cottages which have all modern comforts, including flat screen satellite TV, and are stylishly minimalist with soothing pastel shades all around. They can sleep up to four people each and all come with a lounge area with fireplace, and a well equipped kitchen where guests can cook with ingredients that they are welcome to collect from the farm. And though the accommodation is self catering there is a farm to table restaurant at the property which serves healthy organic fare all day starting with a Greek breakfast. Outside they each have their own terrace with views over the farm and the surrounding mountains, and a small private garden area. All the buildings on the farm use geothermal power for heating and cooling, and they use a standard bearing root system natural waste management, the first of its kind in the south of Greece. They also host organic & eco weddings, yoga retreats and various workshops and events for wellbeing. THE FARM: A range of organic fruit, vegetables and herbs are grown on the farm, from which they make a variety of things, including their own branded READ MORE

Straw Lodge is a very highly rated boutique vineyard hotel near Blenheim, at the gateway to South Island NZ’s Marlborough/Wairau Valley Wine Region. Their accommodation is in the form of luxury B&B lodges housed in a rather special, and eco friendly, straw bale building overlooking their Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc producing vineyards. THE ACCOMMODATION: The lodges are spacious, comfortable with quality finishings and custom designed furniture. There is a good size lounge/seating area with a sofa/sofa-bed, study desk, flat screen satellite TV and DVD player in each lodge, and outside you’ll find a nice courtyard with seating and views over the vineyards. There will be a barbecue at your disposal too and, even better, an lovely outdoor hot tub-jacuzzi. There is a comfortable communal lounge at the main building too with a selection of DVDs and books. The breakfast here is top class, generous and fresh, and if it inspires you to do some cooking yourself later in the day you are more than welcome to use some of the kitchen facilities. If you need some extra ingredients there is a fruit and vegetable garden outside from where you are welcome to pick you own. You can also of course sample some of the vineyard’s excellent wine; guests are gifted a bottle on arrival and you’ll find your hosts are always happy to explain a bit about wine making and the workings of a Marlborough vineyard. The whole property makes an effort to be as eco friendly as possible and, according to the owners, though not strictly organic, their vineyards and their fruit and vegetable gardens receive only the absolute minimum of chemical treatments. THE LOCATION: A real highlight of READ MORE

Near to Dartmoor in Devon, England, Puddleduck Valley has fun, very much family friendly, glamping and conventional style eco-friendly accommodation in a truly lovely part of the West Country. It’s a real kid’s favourite, with so much to explore around the farm and surrounding woodland and many fun activities. For adults of a certain age too it will bring back happy memories of childhood holidays in the countryside before the era of computers and smartphones. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are four accommodation choices: -Two large glamping yurts; the larger sleeps up to 6 and comes with its own private bathroom, while the smaller of the two can sleep up to four and has access to an external bathroom. Guests at both yurts have full access to the kitchen and lounge area of the main farmhouse. -Then there is The Stables, a converted stone barn holiday cottage which can sleep up to 5 and has a lounge and a fully equipped kitchen. -And finally The King Suite, a more conventional choice upstairs in the renovated 17th-century farmhouse. It can sleep up to four and also comes with its own lounge and fully equipped kitchen. There is also plenty of outside space for all to use with plenty of seating, play areas and barbecue facilities, and well behaved pets are allowed to stay too! THE FARM: The small farm has a herd of friendly goats as well as hens and rabbits, all of which are well used to guests and children will certainly enjoy meeting them. There is a pond at the farm and there is access to the many acres of lovely woodland next door owned by the National Trust. Many activities are organized at the READ MORE

On the Somerset, Dorset borders, Toomer farm has B&B rooms in its lovely, Elizabethan era, country manor house, surrounded by 500 acres of prime farmland, and an adjoining equestrian centre. The property is steeped in history; it is rumoured locally that Elizabeth I once stayed here on her travels through the West Country, it is also nearby Thomas Hardy Country, and a stay here feels something like a gentle step back in time. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have a choice of comfortable B&B rooms which have an old style elegance in keeping with the atmosphere of the property. Outside there are some lovely old walled gardens, carp ponds and a dove cote. You’ll be treated to a fine, traditional English breakfast every morning too in the dining room. The huge farm these days produces a lot of organic beef and corn. It has horse stables which also date back hundreds of years and the farm itself is sometimes used as a venue for show jumping. Guests can organize horse riding around the farm too and are welcome to bring their own horses, there is good fishing to be enjoyed in the local area and this too can be easily arranged from the farm. THE LOCATION: Toomer is just outside the cute village of Henstridge, with the nearest larger town being Sherborne, about 6 miles away. The countryside in this part of England is beautifully idyllic; classic West Country terrain of rolling green hills and sleepy villages. Blackmore Vale is a lovely place for countryside walks and very close to the farmstay. Nearby too you can find such sights as Sherborne Castle, the spectacular Longleat House and its adjoining Safari Park, plus plenty READ MORE

Sampson’s farm hotel is a 15th Century Tudor farmhouse in the middle of some beautiful south Devon countryside near to Dartmoor and just outside Newtown Abbott. It has a range of clean and comfortable B&B and self catering accommodation within the farmhouse and the surrounding courtyard barn conversions and also a nice common area in the main building with an open fireplace. The farm produces its own eggs, both hen’s and duck’s, and also has a few friendly goats. The eggs make up part of their very good English breakfast where you can also taste some their own homemade marmalades under the ancient oak beams of their farmhouse dining room. There’s plenty to do around the grounds, with trout and salmon fishing, clay pigeon shooting and archery lessons available as well as their well known water colour painting workshops. And outside the farm there are opportunities for horse riding, cycling and of course hiking in some of England’s most enchanting countryside; Dartmoor is just a few miles away for example, and for a more leisurely walk there is the nearby Ramblers River Walk along Templar Way and the River Teign. Sampson’s Farm Country Hotel is just five minutes from the A38 and the A380 and the cities of Exeter and Plymouth are within close reach. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Wonderful service in an enchanting setting….” “2 year old loved seeing the ducks and feeding the goats. Lovely room and great breakfast. Would definitely stay again….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SAMPSON’S FARM: READ MORE

In the heart of the Barossa Valley, near Adelaide, South Australia, this farm stay is a peaceful rural retreat surrounded by gum and palm trees and with lovely views over the famous Seppeltsfield Winery. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is in the form of 6 self catering cottages, all with air-conditioning and all modern facilities; private bathroom with spa bath, flat screen TV and DVD player, a cosy fireplace and a kitchenette, including fridge, toaster and microwave etc. Check them out on the booking page here.  Outside there are barbecue facilities and a fire pit where in the evenings many guests get together and organize a camp fire. And there’s a nice playground for the kids too. On their small 8 acre farm surrounded by gum trees and vineyards, you’ll find sheep, ponies and alpacas, all of which are friendly and are used to meeting visitors, both children and adults. The accommodation is self catering but your friendly hosts also provide you with some nice complementary breakfast hampers. THE LOCATION: The Barossa valley north of Adelaide has been a famous wine producing region for generations now and just a ten minute walk away from the farm you’ll find one of its most famous wineries; Seppeltsfield, which was established way back in 1851 by the Seppelts family, recent immigrants from what was once the German speaking region of Silesia in Central Europe. Here you can arrange a whole range of wine tourism activities as well as enjoying some of the best food around at the on site restaurant. It’s also a short walk to the Seppelts Family Mausoleum, a serene memorial spot to the famous pioneer family which has suitably lovely views READ MORE

Cuevas del Pino is an agroturismo farm stay near Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain, which has some lovely quaint and rustic self catering cottages on its 60 acre organic farm. It also has the added intrigue of being set around an old stone quarry which has cave systems to explore and a cave house for overnight stays. The setting is quite unique and though just minutes from Cordoba city centre it is gorgeously peaceful. The hosts are friendly and charming and you’ll find a creative, bohemian vibe about with lots of activities to be enjoyed from yoga and meditation to photography and painting workshops, as well as various low key events; musical performances, micro theatre and film showings. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have a choice of four cottages, two of them are one double bedroom and two of them two bedroom, with the latter being able to sleep up to five people. They are all charmingly rustic and traditional in style, and with some nice antique furniture and art pieces decorating the space. They are also very clean and comfortable and with modern facilities. You’ll find a well equipped kitchen, a lounge area, and outside a nice private terrace area with tables, chairs and sun loungers. The most unique of the accommodation choices is of course the cave house. A clever bit of architecture, it is, as the name suggests, a cottage built in to a cave, with solid rock for (most of) the walls and ceilings.  The design is that of an open plan loft and is super spacious and stylish. Though all the accommodation is of a high standard and thoroughly charming the cave house is understandably the most popular and so be READ MORE

A little piece of paradise in Provence; Le Hameau de Pichovet gîte is the ultimate place to experience the beauty and tranquility of this iconic region of France. It has self catering apartments in a lovingly restored old farmhouse surrounded by fields of lavender and sunflower and is the kind of place you will really not want to leave. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are five self catering units in total, to sleep up to eight people each. The property itself is gorgeous; it dates back to 1897 but has been beautifully restored in recent years, and its modern comforts and minimalist decor blend nicely with the traditional Provençal farmhouse feel. All the accommodation is spacious and super clean with good size lounges and practical kitchens. The outside space is a real highlight though, with lovely gardens overlooking the peaceful valley below. There is plenty of space to sit and dine outside as well as barbecue facilities, sun loungers and two swimming pools. The place is surrounded the classic Provence lavender and sunflower fields and though the gîte itself doesn’t harvest its own lavender they keep bees and make a nice line of lavender honey. The accommodation is all self catering but the friendly owners are always around and for an extra fee they can prepare a very nice breakfast basket for you and some equally good evening meals too. THE LOCATION: Though Provence is full of the promise of rural idyll many parts of it can be a little busy with tourists, especially over the summer. But not around here; Le Hameau de Pichovet is in a relatively undiscovered corner of Provence and is a really superb place to get away from it all. READ MORE

Very near the famous town of San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy, Agriturismo Macinatico is a wonderful rural escape that has great views of the town’s iconic medieval towers and of the surrounding countryside. It makes its own top quality extra virgin olive oil and wine which you can enjoy sampling in some beautifully tended gardens or lounging by its outdoor swimming pool. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a total of self catering apartments are large and spacious with varying numbers of bedrooms that can sleep up to ten people. They are also clean and very comfortable, with private bathroom, flat screen TV with satellite channels, full kitchen and a lounge area. The owners are very hospitable and friendly and you’ll be welcomed on your arrival with a food hamper containing some basic essentials, bread, coffee etc. plus some nice home made pastries, biscuits and other treats. Outside in the lovely gardens you’ll find barbecue facilities, a kids playground and an outdoor swimming pool with views of the San Gimignano towers. The views from the farm stay are spectacular; you can lay back and enjoy the San Gimignano towers, the vineyards, and all that gorgeous Tuscan landscape while just sitting back at the edge of the pool. THE FARM & VINEYARD: The have acres of vineyards and olive groves surrounding the farmhouse. They produce their own quality cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and various wines here, and they have a small farm shop which sells both, with wines such as Vernaccia Macinatico and Massi DOCG, Toscana Bianco and Rosso IGT, Chianti and Disciplinare Chianti, to name just a few, plus many other good local foodstuffs. You’ll find the owners friendly and enthusiastic and READ MORE

Near the city of Parma in the lovely green countryside of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Agriturismo Alba Del Borgo is a family run B&B with pet-friendly accommodation on its 175 acre organic hillside farm. It’s a fully working farm with wheat fields, vineyards, orchards, vegetable & herb gardens, free range hens and some gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside. They have a range of bright, spacious and modern rooms which all come with some lovely private bathrooms, WiFi, air con and flat screen TV. There is a shared lounge area at the farmhouse plus plenty of space to relax or dine outside, from where you can enjoy some of those lovely views. The agriturismo has its own excellent organic restaurant which uses the best of their own and other local organic ingredients. There is also a farm shop where you can buy some of their various farm products to take home; home made jams, preserves, purees, sauces and plenty more. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Unconditional recommendation: Outstanding food in the restaurant with local produce. Modern, clean and comfortable rooms. Extremely friendly and accommodating staff who make you feel very welcome….” “Dinner was exceptional-Excellent food and wine- Amazing chef! Staff was extremely welcoming and very helpful. The rooms were spotless – Absolutely loved this place….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO ALBA DEL BORGO:   READ MORE

Climbing out of bed in a luxury glamping tent to the nearby chatter of friendly llamas sounds like a uniquely lovely way to start the day, and even more so when it is in the heart of one of France’s most charming rural regions, the infamous Loire Valley; the Garden of France.  The family friendly & pet friendly Loire Valley Llama Farm Stay, between Le Mans and Tours, offers visitors two Lotus Belle tents on their 17 acre farm with llamas and hens.  All of which are happily free range, and friendly to visitors; this place is not some large commercial farming venture, it is a blissfully peaceful, little rural idyll, with a mixture of pastureland, woodland, (as well as a lake and a stream), and somewhere where the welfare of the farm animals (and the farm guests of course!) comes first. Note: The llama farm is a small intimate affair, with just two tents available to rent, so booking ahead is advised! THE ACCOMMODATION: They have two clean and comfortable rooms at the farmhouse; a double and a twin (one double and one single) and outside in the gardens there are two spacious, nicely furnished, tents offer ‘back to nature’ escapism without the need to sacrifice comfort. The tents have room for up to 4 or 5 sharing, and are made up as either a double bed with a pull out day bed converting to another double, or a King size bed with two single beds. All of them are proper, framed, beds with Egyptian cotton bedding and you’ll find them reliably comfortable every night. You’ll have an insulated PVC layer on the tent windows for the winter as well as a mesh layer on READ MORE

  Just outside the town of Datca, and not far from Bodrum, Turkey. The Datca Olive Farm Guesthouse has luxury B&B accommodation surrounded by organic olive groves and gardens full of fruit, vegetables and herbs. Each of their rustic, stylish rooms and suites comes with WiFi, air-con, flat screen TV with satellite channels plus a seating area and a private bathroom, and outside in the gardens there is a swimming pool as well as a Turkish bath and a tennis court. The friendly staff serve a great Turkish buffet breakfast in the mornings, full of fresh, homemade organic produce much of which comes straight from the farm and the on-site restaurant is open all day and has plenty of very good local dishes to be sampled. READ MORE

In the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, Domaine du Haras de Saint-Pierre has a nice self catering apartment to sleep up to five on its horse farm/equestrian center. The location is great, within walking distance of the village of Saint Pierre, and surrounded by lots of those classic Alsatian vineyards. THE ACCOMMODATION: The apartment has two bedrooms; one with a double bed and the other with one double and one single. There is a nice, well equipped kitchen and a spacious lounge with a comfortable sofa and a dining area. If the weather’s good you also dine on the outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens which also have sun loungers, seating and a small children’s playground. Fresh organic food can be bought from the farm shop down the road and you’ll find some shops within walking distance in the little village of Saint Pierre. You’ll be left to your own devices here with the main activity at Domaine du Haras de Saint-Pierre being of course horse-riding. It’s a professional equestrian center with a great reputation in the region and guests are welcome to take part in all sorts of horse related activities, riding lessons, horse and pony tours, horse drawn carriage rides etc. You are in the heart of the Alsace Wine Route here and you can wander around on foot or on horseback some of the local vineyards. Wine tours and tasting sessions etc. can also be arranged. THE LOCATION: Domaine du Haras de Saint-Pierre is beside the village of Saint-Pierre, Alsace, 3km from the A35 motorway and 10 km from the lovely town of Obernai, famous for producing some of the best beer and wine in France. The READ MORE

Agriturismo Villa Cefalà, near Palermo, Sicily, is just a stone’s throw from the beach and its hillside location allows some really stunning views over the Mediterranean and some nice sea breezes too. The farmhouse is a classic old Sicilian mansion, in this case from the 18th century, and a place where the nobility of Palermo used to spend long leisurely summers. The building has an aristocratic, elegant feel, and the grounds are gorgeous too, there is a swimming pool and some lovingly maintained garden areas surrounded by rows and rows of citrus and olive trees. They also have a great restaurant on site where you can enjoy a generous, fresh, breakfast each morning and some thoroughly enjoyable evening meals on the outdoor terrace. THE ACCOMMODATION: Agriturismo Villa Cefalà has both B&B rooms and apartments. All have a nicely traditional Sicilian feel to them, with wrought iron bed frames, tiled floors, wood beamed ceilings and antique furniture, but they are modern hotel standard in terms of comfort and facilities; en-suite bathrooms, WiFi, Satellite TV, mini bar and safe, plus some nice little touches like a complimentary beauty kit in each of the bathrooms. The rooms are all double rooms and have plenty of space with a separate seating area included. The apartments have also one double bedroom though are slightly larger with a small kitchenette and lounge area included. In the grounds there is an outdoor swimming pool and various terraces and extensive gardens where you’ll also find a small children’s playground. The food is fantastic at this agriturismo, their traditional breakfast is large and tasty, and has a very nice selection of home made delicacies for you to try; pastries, READ MORE

Quinta de Palhacana is a peaceful, relaxing farm stay near Lisbon, Portugal, in the tiny village of Pereiro de Palhacana (A shuttle service can be arranged from Lisbon city centre or airport), and has B&B rooms in a farmhouse with a nice terrace, an outdoor swimming pool, gardens, horse stables and meadow fields. THE ACCOMMODATION: All their comfortable rooms come with private bathroom, WiFi, TV and air conditioning, and every morning there’s a good continental breakfast to be enjoyed in the restaurant, which, along with the stylish shared lounge, has nice views of the surrounding hills and which serves other light meals throughout the day. There is a bar too, and they stock a very good choice of local wines. Outside there is plenty of space with a swimming pool, terrace and gardens, where you can join in yoga sessions or just relax and read a book. THE FARM: Quinta de Palhanca has a horse farm at the back of the farmhouse with adjoining stables, and horse riding lessons can be arranged, along with guided rides; short trips around the farm or to explore the surrounding area. THE LOCATION: You’re less than an hour from Lisbon at the Quinta (a shuttle service can be arranged, as mentioned previously) and you’ll find staying in this area allows a real insight into rural Portuguese farming life, with unpretentious, welcoming & friendly people. There is some nice hiking to be done in the area; the Serra de Montejunto, for example, is about a half an hour’s drive north of the farmstay and at over 600 meters towers over the rolling hills between the Tejo River and the Atlantic. A climb up the Sierra READ MORE

Agriturismo L’Isola Che Non C’era  is a working farm just a 15-minute drive from the town of Apiro in Le Marche, Italy, and a ten minute drive to the lovely Lake Cingoli. It has a large garden, cute, traditional Italian farmhouse rooms and gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. Rooms at the L’Isola Che Non C’era Agriturismo all come with a desk, tiled floors and private bathroom and you’ll be treated to a great Italian style breakfast in the morning. The farm stay is roughly equidistance between Ancona and Perugia in neighbouring Umbria: A little less than an hour from Ancona and a little bit more than an hour from Perugia. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “I want to sell up and move here! This was an absolute find during our trip. It is a beautifully reconstructed old farm house with wonderful hosts, an adorable dog, chickens and a goat. It is perched on the top of a hill with beautiful views all around, fireflies at night and a stunning star scape where you can see the Milky Way….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO L’ISOLA CHE NON C’ERA:   READ MORE

Tambor Del Llano is a lovely farmstay on an organic, eco-friendly farm in Grazalema, Spain, a small village hidden away in the Andalucian mountains between Cadiz and Malaga, and just north of Marbella. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of very clean and comfortable rooms, ten in total, all with a patio, terrace or balcony and free WiFi, and there is access to a shared lounge with TV and the on-site restaurant which serves some very good local food. Feel free to explore the farm where there are Merino sheep and some of the world famous Andalucian horses. There is a lot of local flora to be seen too; wild olive, oak and cork trees, lavender, laburnum and thyme plants to name but a few. THE LOCATION: The farmstay itself is in the Parque National de la Sierra de Grazelema, which is a gorgeously wild and scenic part of Andalucia. You’ll find some great hiking trails around here as well as rock climbing, and horse riding trips can be arranged from the farm. The nearest city (and airport) is Marbella, about an hour and a half drive to the south, while Andalucia’s biggest city, Seville, is about two hours north. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Absolutely gorgeous surroundings, super friendly staff, stylish interior. A real gem in the otherwise rustic accommodation space in the area. Would return in an instant!…” “Everything was amazing! The house is located in the incredibly beautiful natural reserve. Room was clean and comfortable with the balcony facing the greenery and mountains. Stunning view from the terrace. Excellent dinner. The horse ride was such a pleasure – the horses are very calm, picturesque trails, friendly guide. Perfect READ MORE

With spectacular views of San Gimignano, Tuscany, this lovely traditional farm stay has pet friendly B&B rooms and self-catering accommodation on an organic family farm and vineyard. It’s a real homely, friendly place which produces quality wine and extra virgin olive oil, and keeps farm animals too. The food though is the real highlight at Fattoria San Donato, they have a traditional, organic, Tuscan restaurant which serves up some of the best fresh food around, much of which comes from their own farm. If you are impressed with the cooking, as you undoubtedly will, you can also arrange some excellent cooking classes with chef and owner, Federica. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have some nice self catering apartments, and B&B double rooms with private bathroom. All of them are spacious and decorated with a rustic, traditional, Tuscan style. The apartments have two double bedrooms, but there is also a sofa bed in the lounge that can be converted into another double for two extra guests. The lounge is large and comes with a kitchenette too. You can enjoy some really fantastic food and wine at the farm restaurant including a lavish buffet breakfast in the mornings and various meals throughout the day. And, as mentioned above, cooking classes can be arranged too. Outside you’ll find a swimming pool in the large gardens where you can also play table tennis and the kids can enjoy the playground. And all of this with really stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including those iconic towers of San Gimignano. There’s a lot going on in their busy organic farm, it has farm animals; goats, pigs, hens and ducks, and grows vegetables, herbs and fruits including olives and READ MORE

This stylish farm stay, outside the town of Serendah, Malaysia, is less than an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur and is a popular rural retreat from the city. THE ACCOMMODATION: It has a range of very comfortable suites and chalets for up to four people, all of them clean and comfortable with private bathroom.  There is a common kitchen in the main building too where you can cook using some of the farm’s own produce, as well as a dining room, library, games and reading room. Outside there is plenty of social space too; around the swimming pool and the barbecue pit where barbecues can be a nightly event. If you don’t feel like cooking there are a number of quality restaurants in the surrounding area serving Malay, Indian, Chinese and Western food, with one or two within walking distance. Ask the staff for advice. Carpe Diem has 18 acres of fruit orchards, vegetable plots, herb gardens, flower gardens, duck ponds and a swimming pool. THE LOCATION: Plenty of outdoor activities can also be arranged with help from the staff; cycling and trekking tours for example or fishing and fruit picking. There is lots to see and do in this part of Malaysia; the Ulu Yam Hot Springs, Orang Asli-Native Village and a country club with a public golf course are all within 15 minutes drive. Slightly farther afield, about a half an hour away, you’ll find some awesome jungle treks around Selangor Dam and Kuala Kubu Bahru. The nearest airport is Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport less than 50 miles away. Note: No WiFi, and no pets allowed! WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Excellent: The owner was such a humble READ MORE

Near the city of Pisa, Tuscany, and with easy access to the Florence-Pisa highway, La Lecceta has luxury self catering farmhouses to rent on the grounds of the famous Fattoria Varramista Wine Estate. The farmhouses have two, three or four bedrooms, to sleep up to eight people, with a minimum stay of three nights. All of them are beautifully decorated in rustic Tuscan farmhouse style and are spacious, comfortable and well equipped. The estate does a full program of wine tourism which guests are welcome to join and the large estate is lovely to wander around, with acres of vineyards, woodland and gardens which include a nice outdoor swimming pool. The views are pretty special too; open countryside for miles around and the city of Pisa away in the distance. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their spacious farmhouses range from two to four bedrooms to sleep up to eight people (check your options on the booking page here, and note there is a minimum stay of 3 nights). All are tastefully decorated to accentuate the rustic farmhouse ambience with contemporary facilities; WiFi, satellite TV, air con etc. alongside the wood beamed ceilings, tiled floors, antique furniture and pastel shaded walls. They have well equipped, modern kitchens plus plenty of space for dining, and drinking some of the fabulous wine that is made on the estate. All the accommodation has a semi private outdoor area too with table and chairs. The estate is vast and there is a lot to explore. There is an outdoor swimming pool in the beautifully tended lawns and all around are vineyards, olive groves and woodland. It is classic rural Tuscany; lovely to wander around and somewhere you can READ MORE

Gracefield Farm Stay, is just a half an hour’s drive from Warragul, near Melbourne Victoria, and has a range of self catering cottages on a large farm right beside the Neerim State Forest, a tremendous area for bush walking and horse riding. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a nice range of clean, cosy cottages that can sleep up to 6 guests. All come with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom & lounge area with flat-screen TV, DVD, WiFi and laundry facilities. Outside there are terrace areas and BBQ facilities. Check out your options on the booking page here.  It’s self catering but with true Aussie hospitality, to get the guests through the first morning, they provide a breakfast basket of eggs, bread, fresh fruit, jams and spreads, tea and coffee. The farm covers a full 97 acres of lovely green pasture land where you’ll find herds of cattle and deer, and a huge range of native wildlife. You’ll find you hosts friendly and welcoming and they are always happy to show guests around the farm. THE LOCATION: Beyond the gentle joy of wandering around the farm and the adjoining forests, Gracefield farm stay is also a good base for exploring some of Victoria’s loveliest rural areas. To the east there is the stunning Baw Baw National Park where on the sub alpine plateau you can go skiing in winter and bushwalking in summer. There is also plenty of places to go horse riding, canoeing, rafting and fishing as well as rock climbing at mushroom rock and some of Victoria’s best white water rafting on the Thompson River. To the north are the Yarra Ranges with their famous mountain ash trees and cool temperate READ MORE

In the heart of the beautiful Wye Valley, Wales, UK, with lovely views over the market town of Builth Wells, this very homely B&B farmstay, which is very highly rated by its guests, has a range of comfortable rooms with flat screen TV, WiFi and a private patio. They can serve a very good breakfast direct to your room in the morning with plenty of choice, from a full cooked Welsh breakfast to porridge, cereals, toasted bagels with salmon and cream cheese etc. Guests are free to wander the farm at their leisure and maybe keep an eye out for some local wildlife; Red kites, owls, foxes and buzzards are all known to visit now and again. And if you would like to explore farther afield the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, which has great hiking opportunities and famously stunning scenery, is a short drive to the south. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Absolutely everything the gracious informative hosts fabulous setting great creature comforts king size bed & topped off with a superb breakfast overlooking the magnificent scenery a must stay for people who look for luxury in a B&B….” “Can’t praise Smithfield Farm enough, had the most wonderful stay. Facilities, food, cleanliness, location and the owners were all excellent…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SMITHFIELD FARM:   READ MORE

Near the town of Sundern, and the city of Dortmund, in the beautiful Sauerland of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, this family run farm stay has very comfortable rooms and self-catering apartments, all with TV and private bathroom and some with balcony. The surrounding area, the Sauerland, is truly beautiful and famous for its hiking trails. And in winter there is the Wildewiesse winter sports centre to be enjoyed, just 1km from the farm stay. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Most wonderful and very suitable for family and children….” “Everything was great, the area is beautiful for hiking trips. Watching the animals on the farm is also wonderfully relaxing for a big city kid. The Hoppe family is very friendly, nice and helpful if you have questions. We would love to come back…..” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT FERIENHOF HOPPE: READ MORE

Near the city of Florence and nearer still to Leonardo’s home town of Vinci, Chianti, Tuscany, Agriturismo Colle da Vinci is a classically rustic hillside farmhouse surrounded by organic olive groves and enjoys some stunning views of the Montalbano Valley, especially from the ideally placed swimming pool in the gardens. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are five pleasantly old style self catering farmhouse apartments, which can sleep up to four with one double bedroom and one double sofa bed in the lounge and children’s cots can also be provided if needed. You can check your options on the booking page here, and be advised there is a two night minimum stay. They are all spacious and well equipped and you’ll find them bright, airy and comfortable. Though the bathrooms err on the side of modern the general feel is of a homely, rustic Tuscan farmhouse, with wood beamed or brick ceilings, tiled floors and crisp white walls. WiFi and satellite flat screen TVs feature too though and the standards of comfort and cleanliness are certainly of the modern age. Outside they all have their own semi private space with table and chairs and with the agriturismo having such a wonderful hillside location there are wonderful views of the Montalbano Valley to be enjoyed from all around. The well tended gardens have a swimming pool from where you can also admire the views and in general there is plenty of space to lounge around or dine al fresco on the terraces or around the gardens. There’s a barbecue area too, and a play area for kids. The main business of the farm is in the making of organic extra virgin olive oil which READ MORE

Bólstaðarhlíð Farm has very nice self catering rooms in the middle of a lovely green valley in the north of Iceland. The farmhouse is in traditional style but thoroughly modern and comfortable, with three en-suite double bedrooms, and access to a sociable shared lounge and the large, well equipped, kitchen too. The area and the farm itself is beautifully quiet and serene, and makes for a wonderful place to unwind. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are three double/twin rooms to choose from all of which are simply furnished and extremely clean and comfortable. The shared lounge has plenty of seating space and a smart/satellite TV (with Netflix) and there is WiFi throughout the building. The kitchen is modern and well equipped and the bathrooms are particularly nice. THE FARM: Bólstaðarhlíð has a working farm which has been in the same family for nearly 200 years. They usually have about 100 sheep and a number of horses at the farm these days, along with a friendly dog and cat at the farmhouse.  The setting is a tidy little valley amid green hills and a winding river and with the sheep grazing peacefully it is a beautifully quiet and relaxing place to wander around. The friendly farm owners are always happy to show guests around the farm and you are free to explore yourself, take a walk around the mountains, sit by the river or visit the beautiful little church at the farm which dates all the way back to 1888. THE LOCATION: Though way up in the north of Iceland getting to the farm isn’t all that difficult, being just off the main (road no.1) ring road from Reykjavík. It’s also about 20 minutes drive READ MORE